Mathiya Case: Woman’s Burnt Body Recovered 8 Months After Panchanama, Murder Suspected

Lauria / Bettiah (West Champaran, Bihar):
A shocking incident has come to light from Mathiya village under Lauria police station, where the nearly 40‑year‑old woman, identified as Geeta Devi, was found dead under suspicious circumstances. Her body was recovered in a severely burnt condition from an agricultural field, raising serious questions about foul play.

What makes the case more disturbing is the fact that a panchanama (written settlement record) related to the woman had already been prepared eight months ago, indicating that the dispute in her marital life was known much earlier.

Allegations of Illegal Relationship

According to family members, Geeta Devi was continuously opposing her husband Harilal Sah’s alleged illegal relationship with another woman. Because of this, frequent disputes used to take place in the family. It is also alleged that Geeta Devi was forced to leave her in‑laws’ house and had been staying at her parental home for the last several days.

Body Burnt to Destroy Evidence

The family further alleged that soon after news of Geeta Devi’s death spread in the village, around 10–12 people suddenly reached the spot and hurriedly tried to burn the body to destroy evidence. By the time police arrived, most parts of the body had already been damaged.

The police recovered the body from the field and sent it for post‑mortem examination. A forensic team was also called to collect evidence from the spot.

Panchanama Prepared 8 Months Earlier

Sources revealed that on 9 April 2025, a panchanama was prepared in Bakhuwa village, in which Harilal Sah had accepted the existence of family disputes. Several villagers had also signed this document, clearly showing that the conflict between the couple was not new.

Now, the sudden death of the woman and the attempt to burn her body after such a long‑standing dispute have deepened the suspicion of murder.

Police Statement

The Station House Officer said that the deceased had five children and at present no dowry‑related case has been established. However, the matter is being thoroughly investigated from all angles, and strict legal action will be taken against whoever is found guilty.

Villagers Demand Justice

After the incident, tension has spread in Mathiya village. Villagers have demanded a fair investigation and immediate arrest of the culprits. People believe that had the administration taken timely action when the dispute first came to light, the woman’s life could have been saved.

The police are now waiting for the post‑mortem and forensic reports to proceed further in this highly sensitive case.