In a heartbreaking incident on the eve of Maha Shivratri, a 30-year-old man in Bihar’s Gaya district took his own life by setting himself ablaze, driven to despair by his wife’s alleged extramarital affairs and relentless threats. Satendra Kumar Mahto, a resident of Shastri Mohalla in Sheikhpura under Sherghati police station, could no longer endure the torment.
The tragedy unfolded amid celebrations where wives prayed for their husbands’ long lives, creating a stark contrast. Satendra’s sister, Julie Kumari, revealed that her brother had been locked in frequent quarrels with his wife and mother-in-law for months. She accused the wife of maintaining illicit relationships with multiple men, spending hours on phone calls that ignited furious arguments whenever confronted.
Family members disclosed that the wife pressured Satendra into buying land in Hyderabad, registering it in her mother’s name as nominee. Once, Satendra caught his wife red-handed with another man, but instead of remorse, his mother-in-law began threatening him with false cases of dowry harassment and assault. These threats escalated to police involvement, with Satendra even spending time in custody.
Married for eight years with two minor daughters, Satendra plunged into depression after his wife left for her parental home with the children. Overwhelmed by her infidelity and looming legal battles, he doused himself in petrol and lit a match. Neighbors rushed to extinguish the flames but arrived too late.
Sherghati police swiftly responded, with ASI Rajkishor Singh, SI Rupa Kumari, and SHO Mohan Kumar inspecting the scene. The body was sent for postmortem at Magadh Medical College Hospital. Authorities are conducting a thorough probe based on family statements, promising appropriate legal action. The neighborhood mourns the loss of a tormented soul, highlighting the devastating impact of domestic betrayal.