In a heart-wrenching case from Gonda district, a 28-year-old man allegedly murdered his mother with a sil batta (grinding stone) following a heated argument over a compassionate government job granted to his younger brother. The accused, identified as Sandeep Valmiki, was arrested shortly after the incident, while his injured brother is receiving treatment at the district hospital.
The Tragic Incident
The shocking crime took place in Pandit Purwa village under the Gonda Nagar Kotwali area. According to Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Manoj Kumar Rawat, police received information around 9:00 a.m. that the body of Kanti Devi (58) was found inside her home with severe head and facial injuries.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Sandeep attacked his mother during a dispute over a government job that had been given to his younger brother under the compassionate appointment scheme following their father’s death four years ago.
Confession and Police Action
Police teams reached the scene promptly, seized the murder weapon—a heavy sil batta—and sent the body for postmortem examination. During interrogation, Sandeep confessed to the killing, saying he was angry that his mother had chosen his younger brother for the job. The altercation turned violent, and in a fit of rage, he fatally struck her.
The younger brother, who tried to intervene, sustained injuries and is under medical care. Police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and launched a detailed investigation.
Family Disputes
Kanti Devi worked as a sanitation worker in Gonda Nagar Palika, following in the footsteps of her late husband, who had served in the same department. After his death, she recommended her younger son for the job to ensure financial stability for the family.
The compassionate appointment scheme allows dependents of deceased government employees to receive jobs as a means of livelihood support. However, such appointments can sometimes lead to bitter family disputes, as seen in this tragic case.
Community Shock and Broader Implications
Residents of Pandit Purwa have expressed deep sorrow and disbelief over the violent matricide. Neighbours described Kanti Devi as a hardworking woman and a loving mother. Police and social experts emphasize that underlying emotional distress, jealousy, and unresolved family conflicts can escalate into violence if left unaddressed.
This incident underscores the urgent need for family counselling, mental health awareness, and community support to prevent such tragedies born from resentment and frustration.