Guwahati, Apr 23: A 19-year-old woman was arrested on Thursday morning for allegedly beheading her mother in Assam’s West Karbi Anglong district, in a shocking incident that has left the area in disbelief.
The accused, identified as Pooja Malang, allegedly killed her mother, Anumai Malang (42), with a machete at their residence in Deramukh Lalung village on Wednesday night.
According to police, the accused fled the scene with the severed head after the crime. She was later traced to a forested area early Thursday morning and arrested.
“She was found in a forest area. We recovered the severed head and the murder weapon from her possession,” said Diganta Saikia, officer-in-charge of Baithalangso police station.
During the investigation, police recovered a machete (suspected murder weapon), a sickle and scissors and items described as ritualistic, including oil, vermilion, and an earthen pot.
The victim’s body has been sent for postmortem, while the weapon will undergo forensic examination.
Family tried to intervene
Family members told police that Pooja had gone out earlier in the evening and returned around 10 pm.
“She entered the house with a dao, went straight to her mother and beheaded her,” they said.
Her father and sister sustained minor injuries while attempting to stop her. However, she did not attack them further and fled with the severed head.
Police launched a search operation soon after being alerted by the family and villagers. However, the accused could not be traced overnight.
“She had moved into a dense forest area. We located her in the morning. She did not attempt to flee on seeing the police,” Saikia said.
The accused has been booked under Section 103 (murder), Section 119 (grievous hurt by dangerous weapons) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Police said the motive behind the crime remains unclear.
“There was no prior report of any dispute between the mother and daughter. This is a sensitive case, and we are trying to ascertain the motive,” the officer added.
While some locals speculated about possible involvement in black magic or intoxication, police said there is no evidence to support such claims.
“No signs of intoxication were found in the initial examination, though samples have been sent for testing. Family members mentioned possible mental health concerns, but nothing is confirmed at this stage,” officials said.
The accused is undergoing medical examination, and police are in the process of recording her statement.
Investigators said it is too early to draw conclusions, and further details are expected as the probe progresses.
