Two Robberies, Yet One Chilling Pattern: 'Hair-Chopping' Gang Fear Looms Over Bihar Village
Two Robberies, Yet One Chilling Pattern: 'Hair-Chopping' Gang Fear Looms Over Bihar Village Published By, Last Updated: July 19, 2026, 13:45 IST The robberies have
Two Robberies, Yet One Chilling Pattern: 'Hair-Chopping' Gang Fear Looms Over Bihar Village Published By, Last Updated: July 19, 2026, 13:45 IST The robberies have fueled fears of a so-called "Baal Katarva" or hair-chopping gang active in the region that falls under the jurisdiction of the Bahadurpur police station Image for representation | File photo Two separate robberies took place in Darbhanga village of Bihar’s Darbhanga district. What raised eyebrows was the pattern of the crime, with both incidents having been carried out in an exactly similar manner. Both the incidents ended with the hair of women being cut before the culprits fled away with valuables. The robberies have fueled fears of a so-called “Baal Katarva" or hair-chopping gang active in the region that falls under the jurisdiction of the Bahadurpur police station, NDTV reported. The first case was reported on July 8.
Residents said five unidentified miscreants barged into the residence of Dr Pawan Kumar Mishra. Inside, they attacked his 22-year-old daughter-in-law, Karishma Devi. They tied her hands and legs, injecting her in the back that left her unconscious. To conceal any noise, the men turned up the television sound while they continued their search in the house. The intruders smashed the locks of two cupboards before stealing cash worth Rs 35,000 and jewellery priced at approximately Rs 5 lakh. Before fleeing the crime scene, they chopped Karishma’s hair. Later, the family discovered the theft after she was found unconscious in the house. Another Incident, Yet Similar Pattern Just over a week later, a similar incident was reported in the same village. This time, the miscreants targeted the residence of Suman Kumar Chaudhary, who is a local teacher.
They broke in and stole valuables. Before escaping, they cut the hair of a young girl who was asleep at the time, NDTV reported. Investigators, along with teams from the Forensic Science Laboratory and the technical cell, arrived at the scene. At present, an investigation is underway into the matter. Beyond the robberies themselves, what has puzzled residents the most is a disturbing pattern –– in both cases, the women’s hair was chopped off. Cops are trying to examine evidence and establish the motive behind the unsettling acts. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Key Questions Answered What is the motive behind the hair-chopping acts? The motive behind the hair-chopping acts is currently under investigation by the police. These incidents, which involve robbers cutting women's hair after stealing valuables, have led to fears of a "Baal Katarva" or hair-chopping gang operating in the Darbhanga district of Bihar.
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