Sri Vijaya Puram, June 1: A murder investigation launched after a 40-year-old man was found dead with severe internal injuries in Rangat has culminated in the arrest of a close relative, with police alleging that a dispute between the two escalated into a fatal assault.
The case began on May 29 when police received information about the death of Binay Roshan Kerketta at his residence in Bangaon village under the jurisdiction of Police Station Rangat. What initially appeared to be an unexplained death soon evolved into a murder investigation after forensic and medical findings pointed towards violent assault.
Following the information received by police, the matter was immediately reported to the Executive Magistrate and the Scene of Crime Officer. Based on a statement provided by the deceased’s elder brother, Lorentus Kerketta, police initially registered a UDFIR and commenced an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death.
Investigators visited the scene and carried out a detailed examination of the premises. A site inspection was conducted, a site plan was prepared and inquest proceedings were undertaken in the presence of witnesses and the Executive Magistrate. The body was subsequently shifted to the Community Health Centre in Rangat for post-mortem examination.
The turning point in the investigation came with the findings of the post-mortem report received by police on May 30. Medical examination revealed multiple abrasions consistent with blunt force trauma, fractures of ribs on the left side of the chest, rupture of the spleen and extensive internal bleeding.
According to the medical opinion, the probable cause of death was acute haemorrhagic shock resulting from blunt trauma to the abdomen leading to splenic rupture and multiple rib fractures. The injuries were considered severe and inconsistent with natural causes.
Based on the post-mortem findings and the circumstances emerging during the inquiry, investigators concluded that the death was suspicious and indicative of homicide. Police subsequently registered FIR No. 0044 of 2026 under Section 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against unknown persons and launched a full-fledged murder investigation.
The investigation was entrusted to ASI (SG) Swapan Kumar Dey, In-charge of the Jarawa Protection Post at Kaushalyanagar. Officers began piecing together the victim’s final movements and interactions in the days leading up to his death.
Sources familiar with the investigation said police examined multiple leads and questioned individuals connected to the victim. Investigators reportedly focused on personal relationships and recent disputes that could have provided a motive for the crime.
Their efforts eventually led them to a breakthrough. During the course of the investigation, police identified 26-year-old Sonu Kerketta, a relative of the deceased, as the prime suspect in the case.
According to investigators, a dispute had allegedly broken out between Binay Roshan Kerketta and Sonu Kerketta over an issue that escalated into an argument. Police allege that during the altercation, the accused assaulted the victim, resulting in injuries that later proved fatal.
Based on the evidence gathered during the investigation, police traced and arrested Sonu Kerketta. Officials believe the arrest has solved what initially appeared to be a mysterious and unexplained death.
The case highlights the importance of forensic examination in criminal investigations. While the circumstances surrounding the death were initially unclear, the post-mortem findings provided crucial evidence that prompted investigators to pursue a homicide angle.
Police have indicated that further investigation is continuing to establish the complete sequence of events and gather additional evidence. The final medical opinion regarding the cause of death remains subject to the Forensic Science Laboratory report on blood samples collected during the post-mortem examination.
The accused is expected to face proceedings under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Meanwhile, investigators are continuing to examine all aspects of the case to strengthen the prosecution and determine whether any additional evidence or witnesses may be involved.
The arrest brings a significant development in a case that began as a suspicious death and quickly transformed into a murder investigation, ultimately leading police to a suspect within the victim’s own family circle.
