On the eve of the first phase of Bihar Assembly elections, Purnia district was rocked by a tragic crime, as three members of JDU leader Niranjan Kushwaha’s family were found dead inside their home.

The deceased have been identified as Naveen Kushwaha — Niranjan Kushwaha’s elder brother — his wife Kanchan Mala Singh, and their daughter Tanu Priya, police confirmed on Wednesday.

According to officials, the bodies were discovered at their residence in the European Colony under the jurisdiction of the Kehat Police Station. A senior officer said that the police were informed by local residents after no one from the house responded for hours.

“Soon after receiving the information, our team reached the spot. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem to determine the exact cause of death,” said the SDPO, adding that forensic experts are collecting evidence from the scene.

The shocking discovery has left the locality in deep grief. Locals described Naveen Kushwaha as a well-known and respected figure who had previously contested both Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.

Police officials said an intensive investigation is underway to ascertain whether the deaths resulted from a family dispute, planned attack, or any other motive. “No clear evidence has emerged yet, but all possible angles are being examined,” a senior officer added.

As the incident comes just a day before polling begins in Bihar, it has stirred political and public concern across the region, prompting demands for a swift and transparent investigation.