In a gruesome incident that has sent shockwaves across the twin cities, the family of a Special Task Force (STF) constable was allegedly attacked inside their residential quarter at STF Colony in Katulbod in Durg on Saturday morning. The assault claimed the lives of the constable’s wife and young son, while two daughters sustained injuries and are currently undergoing treatment. Police sources informed that the deceased have been identified as Reena Yadav (35), wife of STF constable Lalitesh Yadav, and their 8-year-old son Aditya Yadav, residents of STF Colony, Katulbod, Durg. The couple’s two minor daughters Naina Yadav (12) and Taniya Yadav (11) were injured in the attack and have been admitted to a nearby hospital, where their condition is reported to be stable.

 

The incident occurred at the STF Colony, a supposedly secure residential area, triggering panic and raising concerns over safety within the premises. According to preliminary investigation, the brutal attack was allegedly carried out by a woman identified as Sarojini Bhardwaj (25), a native of Haldideeh, Sakti district, who had been residing here in Sikolabhata, Durg, in a rented accommodation. She is suspected to have been in a relationship with the constable.

 

At around 8 am, Sarojini Bhardwaj reportedly barged into the constable’s residence and launched a violent knife attack on the family. The assault claimed the lives of the constable’s wife, Reena Yadav, and their son, Aditya, while two daughters Naina and Taniya sustained injuries. Hearing the victims’ screams, neighbours rushed to the scene and managed to overpower and detain the accused until the arrival of the police. Acting swiftly on information, the Smriti Nagar police reached the spot and took Sarojini Bhardwaj into custody. At the time of the incident, constable Lalitesh Yadav was reportedly away on railway reservation work.

 

The police said that the exact sequence of events and other critical details are under thorough investigation. Initial investigations suggest that a long-standing relationship between the constable and the accused woman had led to the heinous crime. The brutal nature of the incident has left residents of the STF Colony in a state of fear and disbelief. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are awaited. ASP Sukhnandan Rathore confirmed that the accused woman Sarojini Bhardwaj has been taken into custody and that a detailed probe is underway. While an alleged long-standing relationship between the accused and constable Lalitesh Yadav is being considered as a possible motive, officials emphasized that all aspects are being carefully examined to establish the complete truth behind the gruesome crime.