UP man beaten to death by brother, his family over ancestral property dispute

A 60-year-old man was beaten to death by his elder brother and nephew over an ancestral property dispute in Chitrakoot, Uttar Pradesh. The killing triggered protests by the victim's family, who placed his body on the main road and demanded the arrest and punishment of those responsible.The deceased, identified as Shivprakash Vishwakarma, lived alone in his ancestral house in Bharathaul village under the Bharatkoop police station area. His wife had died earlier, and his three daughters were married.According to police, Shivprakash owned around 12 bighas of land apart from the ancestral house. His family alleged that his elder brother, Bodhilal, wanted him to vacate the ancestral property and move to the land he had purchased, with the intention of taking control of the house.ATTACK OVER PROPERTY DISPUTEAccording to the allegations, Shivprakash was cleaning his house after returning from outside when Bodhilal, his wife Chhattisaan alias Amrita and their son attacked him. The family alleged that Shivprakash was first dragged out of his room and then repeatedly beaten with sticks. The attackers allegedly also struck his head and face with a large stone, leaving him seriously injured.Neighbours reached the spot after the assault, following which the accused allegedly fled. Police took Shivprakash to the district hospital for treatment. However, he died during treatment.His daughter Sangeeta Devi later lodged a complaint, following which police registered a murder case.FAMILY ALLEGES PROPERTY GRABShivprakash's sister Rambai Vishwakarma and his daughter alleged that the attack was linked to his property.The family said Shivprakash had around 12 bighas of land and an ancestral house. He was one of five brothers: Chandrashekhar, Bhola, Bodhilal, Shivprasad and Shivprakash. Chandrashekhar and Bhola have since died.According to the family, Bodhilal and his son took advantage of Shivprakash living alone and allegedly planned to take over his property.The family also alleged that Bodhilal's wife, Chhattisaan alias Amrita, and his elder son Harishankar were involved in the alleged conspiracy.FAMILY PROTESTS WITH BODYFollowing Shivprakash's post-mortem examination, his relatives placed his body on the main road and staged a protest, demanding that the accused be arrested and given the death penalty.The protest led to a road blockade and commotion in the area. A circle officer reached the spot and assured the family that action would be taken, following which the blockade was cleared.BROTHER, WIFE ARRESTED; SON ABSCONDINGChitrakoot SP Arun Kumar Singh said Shivprakash lived alone in his ancestral house and that his wife had died. He said his three daughters were married.According to the SP, Bodhilal wanted Shivprakash to leave the ancestral house and move to the land he had purchased. He said Shivprakash was cleaning his house when Bodhilal, his wife and son assaulted him, leaving him seriously injured.Police registered a case against three people based on the complaint filed by Shivprakash's daughter. Bodhilal and his wife have been arrested, while their son is absconding, the SP said.Police are making efforts to arrest the absconding accused.- EndsWith inputs from Akhilesh Kumar SonekarPublished On: Sep 4, 2026 23:56 IST