📰 Jagannathpur Temple Murder Case Solved: CCTV Clues Lead to Arrest of 3 Accused
Ranchi, April 25, 2026:
The Ranchi Police have successfully solved the sensational case involving the murder of Birsa Munda—a security guard stationed at the Jagannathpur Temple—and the subsequent theft of cash from the temple's donation box. In connection with this case, the police have arrested three accused individuals, all of whom have confessed to their crime during interrogation.
Acting under the directives of the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Ranchi, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by the Superintendent of Police (City) took swift action. Based on CCTV footage from the crime scene and technical evidence, the team successfully identified the perpetrators. Following this identification, all three accused individuals were arrested.
According to the police, the arrested individuals are residents of a settlement located near the temple. During the incident, the deceased security guard had recognized them while they were committing the theft. Fearing exposure and the risk of being caught, the accused attacked him with a stone, killing him, before fleeing the scene with the cash stolen from the donation box.
Arrested Accused:
Dev Kumar alias Rachit Kumar (New Colony, Jagannathpur)
Vikas Mahli (New Colony, Jagannathpur)
Ayush Kumar Datta (New Colony, Jagannathpur)
Recovered Items:
₹3,00,977 in cash
Blood-stained stone (used in the murder)
Clothing worn at the time of the incident (shirt, *gamcha*—traditional towel)
Lock-breaking tools (iron rod, broken locks)
New clothes and purchase receipts
The police further revealed that the prime accused, Dev Kumar, has a criminal history, with several cases—including those related to theft and other offenses—registered against him. Similarly, Vikas Mahli also has prior criminal cases registered against him, including a case filed under the POCSO Act.
Currently, the police are engaged in further legal proceedings, and a detailed investigation into the entire matter remains ongoing.
