4 of Allahabad family found with throats slit

ALLAHABAD: Four members of a family, including a seven-yearold boy, were found with their throats slit in their home in Uttar Pradesh’s Allahabad district early on Friday, the police said. The only survivor is a month-old girl, who was unharmed.

The victims have been identified as Kamlesh Devi, 55; her daughter Kiran Devi, 30; son-inlaw Pratap Narayan Mishra, 35; and grandson Virat, 7.

Kamlesh was widowed three years ago and lived with her daughter’s family. The monthold infant is Kiran’s daughter. Kamlesh also has a son who has been missing for 15 years. Pratap was unemployed while Kiran was a homemaker neighbours said.

The four bodies were discovered on Friday morning when Kiran’s brother-in-law and neighbour Prakash Chandra heard the baby’s crying.

“We entered the house and found the family murdered,” said Chandra.

Senior superintendent of police (SSP) Nitin Tiwari and other senior officials reached the crime scene with a forensic team and dog squad to investigate the murders. The bodies have been sent for autopsy.

“Prima facie it appears to be a case of loot, but we are looking into all the angles, including a property dispute,” said Tiwari.

The murders are believed to have taken place late on Thursday night, police said.

Chandra said the family did not have enmity with anyone in the Bigahia village of Soraon development block.

SN Sabat, additional director general, Allahabad zone, who also visited the village following the murders, said, “Though prima facie it seems to be a case of loot and murders, an FIR (first information report) has been registered against in-laws of Pratap Narayan on complaint of family members alleging a land dispute. The case is currently being investigated.”