Himachal: Land dispute, a man killed his brother-in-law with a spade

Himachal Pradesh: In a shocking incident at Bharnoti village in Churah subdivision of Chamba district, a man was killed by his brother-in-law by stabbing him with a spade during a heated argument over land dispute. The deceased has been identified as 40-year-old Punnu Ram, a native of Bharnoti village, who was living at his in-law’s place in Chilli village for the last 20 years. Police have registered a case and detained the accused’s wife Jhanzho for interrogation. The main accused Raj Kumar alias Raju is currently absconding. According to the statement of the victim’s wife Ratto, on Monday afternoon, her elder sister Jhanzho and brother-in-law Raj Kumar had come to their house in Bharnoti. While Ratto was cooking dinner, an argument broke out between her husband and brother-in-law over a land dispute. In a fit of rage, Raj Kumar picked up a spade lying nearby and hit Punnu Ram on the head.

The blow caused serious head injuries to him and Punnu Ram collapsed on the spot. After the attack, Raj Kumar and his wife fled from the spot. Ratto raised an alarm, following which neighbours rushed to his aid and also informed the police. On Tuesday, forensic experts were called in from Nurpur to collect evidence. Chamba Superintendent of Police Abhishek Yadav visited the spot and monitored the investigation. The body has been handed over to the family after post-mortem. “The accused attacked his brother-in-law with a spade, leading to his death. The murder weapon has been recovered. We have also detained the accused’s wife for interrogation and a search operation is underway to nab the absconding accused,” the SP told the media. He said the police have registered a case under Sections 103 and 3(5) of the Indian Penal Code (BNS), 2023.