A 70-year-old man in Nagpur allegedly murdered his widowed daughter-in-law with an axe, blaming her for his son's death through black magic. The accused later attempted suicide by jumping into a well.

  • A 70-year-old man, Natthumal Bhagwan Pali, killed his 42-year-old daughter-in-law, Lakshmi Pali, in Nagpur.
  • The motive was suspected black magic linked to the death of his son in 2019.
  • The accused attempted suicide by jumping into a well but was rescued by the fire brigade.

In a gruesome incident that has sent shockwaves through Nagpur, Maharashtra, a 70-year-old man allegedly committed a brutal murder of his widowed daughter-in-law. The accused, identified as Natthumal Bhagwan Pali, reportedly used an axe to strike Lakshmi Ravishankar Pali, killing her on the spot.

According to police reports, the motive behind this heinous crime was rooted in deep-seated suspicion and superstition. Natthumal had long blamed Lakshmi for the death of his son, Ravishankar, who passed away in 2019. He believed that Lakshmi had practiced black magic to cause his son's demise, leading to a fractured relationship and frequent verbal altercations between them.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that such incidents highlight the persistent and dangerous influence of superstition in regional pockets. The intersection of unresolved grief, mental instability, and irrational beliefs often creates a volatile environment that can escalate into extreme violence.

The transition from verbal dispute to lethal violence in this case underscores the deadly impact of unchecked superstitions within family structures.

The incident occurred on a Saturday afternoon while Lakshmi was performing household chores in her backyard. At the time, her daughter was at work and her son was away from the house. Following a heated argument that took place the previous Friday night, Natthumal allegedly attacked her with the weapon, inflicting fatal injuries.

Immediately after the murder, the elderly man attempted to end his own life by jumping into a nearby well. Fortunately, fire brigade personnel arrived at the scene and successfully rescued him. He was rushed to a local hospital, where he remains in critical condition.

Law enforcement officials have secured the crime scene and collected forensic evidence. Lakshmi's body has been sent for a post-mortem examination to confirm the exact cause of death. Investigators are now working to determine if the motive was solely based on the suspicion of witchcraft or if there were underlying financial or property disputes involved.

Did You Know?: Forensic investigation in such cases often involves analyzing the trajectory of the weapon strikes to distinguish between premeditated murder and spontaneous rage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: What was the primary motive for the murder?
Answer: The accused believed the victim practiced black magic, which he blamed for his son's death in 2019.

Question 2: Is the accused alive?
Answer: Yes, the accused was rescued from a well and is currently receiving treatment in a hospital.