BackLAW
SIT formed in Jharkhand cousins' death as autopsies show no external injuries
Three cousins (two women and a man) were found dead in a forested area in Hazaribag, Jharkhand. Autopsy reports from April 30 indicated no external injury marks, and authorities formed a Special Investigation Team on May 1 to probe whether foul play or suicide occurred, with diatom testing planned to check drowning.
Why It Matters
The case has drawn scrutiny over police handling and raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the deaths; an SIT is now tasked with a transparent investigation.
Timeline
5 Events
SIT constituted to investigate the death of the three cousins
May 1, 2026
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by SDPO Headquarters Amit Kumar Anand was formed to investigate the death of the three cousins. Police said no one has been arrested yet, and further tests, including diatom testing, would be conducted to determine if the deaths resulted from murder or drowning.
Minorities Commission official meets families, visits the spot
April 30, 2026
Jharkhand State Minorities Commission Vice Chairman Jyoti Singh Matharu met the families of the deceased and visited the spot where the bodies were found, criticizing the initial police response and urging swift action.
Autopsy reports received; no external injury marks found
April 30, 2026
Post-mortem reports were received by the police indicating no external injury marks on the bodies. The police said some tests were yet to be conducted to determine whether they were murdered or died by suicide; diatom tests were to be conducted to assess drowning.
Bodies recovered from Pauta forest area
April 27, 2026
The bodies of the three missing cousins were recovered from the Pauta forest area within the Mufassil Police Station limits.
Missing complaints lodged for three cousins
April 23, 2026
A complaint was lodged reporting that the three cousins—two women and a man—had gone missing in Hazaribag district.