MP: As police patrol violence-hit Gadra, family of three found hanging at home

The fragile peace in Gadra village of Mauganj district suffered a new blow when three bodies were discovered in a house on Friday, deepening the turmoil already burdening local police authorities.

The grim discovery came to light after neighbours reported a foul odour emanating from the residence of one Auseri Saket. Upon their arrival, police entered the premises and found the bodies hanging. Auseri Saket had been living alone with his two children following the demise of his wife. Authorities believe the bodies to be of Auseri and his children.

Deputy superintendent of police Ankita Sulya said, “Three bodies have been recovered from Auseri Saket’s residence. While we suspect their identities, confirmation is still pending.” She added that Saket's daughter had been reported missing before the incident. The police have to ascertain if the family of Saket had some connection to the 15 March police-public clash in the village.

The latest tragedy occurred amidst heightened tension in Gadra village, where section 163 BNS remains in force following the 15 March clash, which resulted in a mob attacking a police team attempting to rescue a resident, Sunny Dwivedi, leading to the death of assistant sub-inspector Ram Charan Gautam. Heavy police deployment has continued in the area since then. Dwivedi also died in the incident.

On Friday, neighbours of Saket reported the foul smell and immediately alerted authorities. A forensic team and additional personnel from Rewa were summoned to assist with the investigations. Preliminary police assessments suggest the deaths occurred roughly a week prior, given the state of decomposition.

The incident has plunged the village into shock, and law enforcement officials continue to explore the possibility of foul play or deeper conspiracies behind the tragedy.

Last Friday (28 March), multiple groups representing SC and ST (Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe) communities and some social organisations took out a rally in Mauganj, submitting a memorandum to press their demands of a fair CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) probe into the villagers-police clash on 15 March.

Protesters had accused the police of targeting innocent tribals and mistreating women and disabled individuals. The police have so far filed charges against 38 individuals. Action has also been taken against the family of principal accused Ashok Kol.

Villagers are adamant in their demand for a fair probe into the death of Kol who, according to police, died in a road accident in contrast to the claims of villagers that he was murdered by Dwivedi (25), to avenge which members of the Kol tribe had allegedly kidnapped Dwivedi and subjected him to a severe physical assault in captivity, which reportedly caused his death.

In response to the 15 March incident, chief minister Mohan Yadav has already removed both the superintendent of police and the district collector from their positions.