Archive · 23 Aug 2026
Protest erupts in Baranagar after woman’s death; husband, mother-in-law arrested
A woman named Riya Pal was found hanging in her home in Baranagar.
Her in-laws said she had killed herself.
Some neighbors did not believe that explanation and began protesting.
Police arrested Riya’s husband and mother-in-law after questioning them.
The protesters blocked the police car while the pair were being taken away.
More police arrived, and police reportedly used a cane charge to control the crowd.
The body was sent for an autopsy, which may help explain how she died.
Police said the investigation is continuing and that the area is now calm.
Riya Pal was found hanging inside her home in Baranagar on Sunday.
Her in-laws said she had died by suicide, but some locals questioned that account.
Police arrested her husband, Manas Das, and mother-in-law after initial questioning.
Protesters blocked the police vehicle and demanded punishment for the alleged accused.
Police recovered the body for autopsy and said the cause of death remains under investigation.
- Who
- Riya Pal, her husband Manas Das, her mother-in-law, local protesters, and Baranagar police.
- What
- Riya Pal was found hanging at home; her husband and mother-in-law were arrested amid protests.
- When
- The body was discovered on Sunday; the report does not specify the date.
- Where
- Ashokgarh in Baranagar, North 24 Parganas district, West Bengal.
- Why
- Locals protested because they questioned the in-laws’ claim that Riya died by suicide; the exact cause of death is pending investigation and autopsy.
Locals’ concerns
In-laws’ account
Cause of death
Locals’ concerns
Some locals rejected the claim that Riya Pal died by suicide and suspected there could be another cause.
In-laws’ account
Riya Pal’s in-laws claimed that she committed suicide.
Police response
Locals’ concerns
Protesters blocked the police vehicle and demanded punishment for the alleged accused; local BJP leaders were also present.
In-laws’ account
Police arrested the husband and mother-in-law after initial questioning and said the cause of death would be established through investigation and autopsy.
- Deceased
- Riya Pal
- Husband
- Manas Das
- Location
- Ashokgarh, Baranagar, West Bengal
- Arrests
- Riya Pal’s husband and mother-in-law
- Police action
- The body was recovered and sent for autopsy; a case was registered under relevant sections of the law.
- Investigation status
- Police said the actual cause of death will be determined after the autopsy report.
- Current situation
- A senior police officer said the situation in Baranagar was normal.