Patna: Three members of a family, including a 55-year-old woman, her 35-year-old daughter-in-law, and a 12-year-old boy, died after four family members allegedly consumed a poisonous substance following a dispute over the sale of land in the Vaishali district on Thursday night. A 15-year-old girl is currently battling for her life in a hospital. The incident took place at Premraj village under the Goraul police station area.According to police, the deceased were identified as Nirmala Devi (55), her daughter-in-law Seema Devi (35), and Seema’s 12-year-old son, Munna Kumar. The fourth family member, Seema’s 15-year-old daughter, Rishika Kumari, is in critical condition and undergoing treatment.Goraul SHO Sunil Kumar said the family had been embroiled in a dispute over the sale of ancestral property. After the death of Shyamnandan Singh, the responsibility of managing the family fell on his only son, Rahul Kumar. However, Rahul was allegedly selling portions of the ancestral property, a move opposed by other family members who feared the family would eventually be left with no land.“The dispute intensified after Rahul allegedly sold another plot on Saturday. When Seema learnt about the transaction, she obtained copies of the registration documents from the registry office and questioned her husband over the sale,” the SHO said.An argument followed, during which Rahul allegedly assaulted his mother and wife before leaving the house, further aggravating tension within the family. According to the initial account, Nirmala and Seema allegedly consumed a poisonous substance during the night, and it is also alleged that the children were given the substance.As the family members’ condition deteriorated, villagers rushed them to the hospital. Doctors declared Nirmala, Seema, and Munna dead upon arrival, while Rishika was admitted in critical condition.Goraul police reached the village after receiving information and began investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths. A Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team also visited the spot and collected scientific evidence. “Police have recovered some poisonous substance from the spot. Prima facie, it is a case of suicide. If Seema’s maternal family submits an application, a case will be filed against Rahul,” the SHO added.
