Brother Orchestrated Murder of Kharghuli Woman Over Property Dispute, Says Police

The gruesome murder of 69-year-old Bandana Das in the city’s upscale Kharghuli locality has taken a sinister turn, with police investigations revealing that the crime was not a sudden act of rage, as initially believed, but a premeditated conspiracy rooted in greed and betrayal — masterminded by her own brother.

The case initially saw a dramatic breakthrough when Ratul Das, one of the caretakers employed at Bandana Das’s residence, confessed to the killing. During police interrogation, Ratul claimed that he was frequently subjected to scolding and verbal abuse by Bandana, including insults directed at his wife and child. He told police that on the night of the murder, he had returned home under the influence of alcohol, enraged and emotionally disturbed. In a fit of fury, he strangled Bandana and then slit her throat with a pair of scissors.

His chilling confession led police to believe that the murder was spontaneous, driven by personal resentment and emotional provocation. However, deeper investigation soon uncovered disturbing new details.

Also Read: Elderly Woman Found Strangled in Guwahati’s Kharghuli, Two Detained

Brother Emerges as Mastermind

Building on Ratul’s confession, Latasil Police probed further and discovered that the murder was not merely an act of rage, but the result of a cold-blooded plot orchestrated by Bandana’s own brother, Bhaskar Jyoti Das.

Police revealed that Bandana had been in the process of selling around 7 bighas of land in Kuruwa, estimated to be worth ₹45 lakh. Bhaskar, who handled all her bank paperwork and financial transactions, was also the nominee of her fixed deposits — valued at over ₹30 lakh.

Bandana’s refusal to share the proceeds of the land sale or divide her assets with Bhaskar reportedly led to tensions between the siblings. Investigators say Bhaskar had long been eyeing her wealth and saw an opportunity to usurp it by eliminating her.

According to the police, Bhaskar promised Ratul a share of the land or cash in return for executing the murder. About 15 days before the incident, Bhaskar allegedly lured Ratul with financial inducement and helped plan the crime to appear as a robbery. While Ratul carried out the act, it was Bhaskar who pulled the strings from behind.

During interrogation, Ratul eventually confessed to the broader conspiracy and revealed Bhaskar’s involvement. Acting on his statement, police summoned Bhaskar Jyoti Das for questioning. He reportedly admitted to his role during the interrogation.

Arrests and Charges

Bhaskar Jyoti Das has since been arrested under Case No. 66/25 and charged under Sections 103(1), 332(a), and 329(4) of the BNS. He was taken for a medical examination at Dhirenpara FRU and will be produced in court on Wednesday.

Ratul Das and his wife, Kunjamoni Das — also a caretaker — were earlier remanded to five-day police custody. Following the expiry of that period, both were sent to judicial custody on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, another sibling of the deceased, Suruj Jyoti Das, has refused to speak publicly about the case, telling reporters that he had no comment.

Police Statement and Ongoing Probe

Commenting on the case, DCP Abhitabh Basumatary stated that sufficient evidence had been collected against Bhaskar Jyoti Das. “The investigation is ongoing. All angles are being thoroughly examined. More clarity will emerge in the coming days,” the DCP told media persons.

Bhaskar, when brought before the press, declined to answer any questions, only saying "no comment" to the media persons.

The city police continue to investigate all financial records, communication logs, and relationships surrounding the victim.

Bandana Das, who lived alone but was being cared for by the Das couple, had reportedly been planning to build a house from the proceeds of the land sale — a plan that now appears to have triggered her death.

Also Read: Kharguli Murder: Caretaker Admits to Killing Elderly Woman Over Repeated Insults