Ballia: Woman Found Hanging with Hands Tied, Family Alleges Murder Over Land Dispute

Ballia, Uttar Pradesh – A 22-year-old woman was found hanging from a tree outside her house with her hands tied behind her back in a village in Ballia district on Sunday morning.

While the police stated that the exact cause of death would be determined after the post-mortem examination, the woman's family has alleged that she was murdered by their "opponents" over a land dispute.

According to police sources, the woman was set to be married next month. She had been alone at home for the past two days as her parents and younger sister had traveled to Lucknow for medical treatment.

“There were no visible injury marks on the body. She was found hanging approximately six feet above the ground. The situation will become clear only after the post-mortem report,” said Superintendent of Police (Ballia) Omvir Singh.

When questioned about the possibility of sexual assault, Singh said that further details would emerge after forensic examination.

Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of a love affair being linked to her death, though they could not explain how her hands were tied behind her back.

Initial investigations into the woman's call records revealed that she had “lengthy conversations with someone over the past three days.” Police have recorded statements from individuals she was in frequent contact with and are examining her search history from the same period.

A forensic team has also been deployed to gather crucial evidence, and statements from villagers are being recorded as part of the ongoing investigation.

The woman belonged to the Backward Class community and had completed her education up to Class 12, police officials confirmed.

The incident has triggered sharp political reactions, with the opposition parties targeting the BJP-led state government over law and order concerns.

The Samajwadi Party, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), criticized the government, stating: “Daughters are becoming victims of the Adityanath government’s failure! Sisters and daughters are being murdered, raped, and exploited every day under the BJP government. Is this the chief minister’s ‘zero tolerance’? Strictest action should be taken against the accused and justice delivered.”

Similarly, the Uttar Pradesh Congress unit condemned the incident, alleging that such “heart-wrenching incidents” were occurring frequently under the current administration.

“But Baba ji (CM Yogi Adityanath) cannot see anything beyond the pleasure of his power!” the Congress’ statement read.

Meanwhile, the victim’s parents and sister returned home from Lucknow on Sunday evening after being informed by the police. The investigation continues as authorities attempt to uncover the circumstances surrounding the tragic death.