Jalpaiguri, 16 July (H.S.):

A couple was found dead under mysterious circumstances in a locked room in Gadadhar Colony under Kharia Gram Panchayat of West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri district, triggering shock and panic in the locality. Preliminary police investigation suggests that the husband may have killed his wife before taking his own life.

The deceased have been identified as Santosh Barman (55) and his wife Leena Barman (50). According to police sources, Santosh worked as a tree cutter but became physically disabled and mentally disturbed after a serious injury in a fall from a tree nearly six months ago.

Family members and neighbours reported that the couple had been having frequent arguments over the past few months. Santosh allegedly suspected his wife of infidelity, leading to rising tensions between them. On Tuesday night, the two had dinner as usual and went to bed. However, the next morning, their sons became suspicious when there was no response from inside the room.

Despite repeated knocking and calling out, no one answered. With the help of neighbours, the family broke down the door. What they found left them stunned.

Leena Barman was found lying in a pool of blood on the bed, her throat slit with a sharp weapon. In a corner of the room, Santosh Barman’s body was discovered hanging from the ceiling.

Police from Kotwali station arrived at the scene shortly after being informed and sent the bodies for post-mortem examination. While the initial findings point towards a murder-suicide, officials have stated that all angles are being thoroughly investigated to determine the exact sequence of events.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh