States » EastPosted at: Oct 25 2026 11:02PM


Bengal: DNA report holds key to solving Anita Devi murder case in Asansol

Asansol, Oct 25 (UNI) The investigation into the murder of 55-year-old Anita Devi in her JK Nagar residence has reached a crucial stage, with investigators awaiting a forensic DNA report to establish whether a deceased local mechanic was involved in the crime, police sources said.
Twenty days after Anita was found murdered on October 5, Raniganj police are yet to make a breakthrough. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is relying on comparative DNA analysis of evidence recovered from the crime scene and samples collected from Umesh Das, a garage mechanic from the same locality who was later found dead.
Five days after the murder, Das was found hanging near a Durgapur Projects Limited (DPL) quarter under the Coke Oven police station area. Investigators subsequently examined his recent movements in Durgapur and identified leads that prompted them to scrutinise his possible connection with the murder.
As Das is dead, investigators are relying on forensic evidence to determine whether his DNA matches samples recovered from the crime scene. The process could take time, officials said.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central), Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissionerate, Dhruba Das, confirmed that the investigation was continuing along multiple lines. “The case will be solved soon,” he said.
Anita, who lived alone, was found murdered at her residence on October 5. Investigators have also established that she was sexually assaulted post-mortem, according to the information provided by the police. Her son and daughter have told investigators that she had no known enmities.
Suspicion has centred on Das, whose residence was reportedly less than 50 metres from Anita’s home. The garage where he had previously worked was also located close to the crime scene. Investigators are examining whether his familiarity with the locality could be relevant to the case.
Police had reportedly monitored Das’s movements after the murder and collected a DNA sample for forensic examination. Samples recovered from inside the house and from the victim’s body are being compared with his DNA profile.
Officials said a match could provide a crucial lead, while a negative result would require investigators to pursue other possibilities. Police are continuing to examine parallel leads as they await the findings.
In a specialised step, the CID deployed three-dimensional crime-scene reconstruction technology in the investigation. A three-member team travelled from Bhawani Bhawan, the CID headquarters in Kolkata, to create a detailed digital reconstruction of the site. The surgeon who conducted the post-mortem was also brought to the scene to help investigators correlate the physical evidence with the medical findings.
Meanwhile, the All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA) staged a protest demanding justice for Anita and greater safety for women. UNI DC NST
Tags: #Bengal: DNA report holds key to solving Anita Devi murder case in Asansol
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