A 25-year-old man from Jharkhand’s Garhwa district has been arrested for allegedly attempting to kill his pregnant partner by poisoning her food and later attacking her in a nearby forest, police said.

The accused, identified as Saket Keshari, is alleged to have plotted the crime after the victim, his 23-year-old partner who is eight months pregnant, asked him to bring her golgappas last week.

According to the complaint filed by the victim, Saket brought the snack as requested. However, she later began experiencing severe symptoms, including vomiting and bleeding from the mouth, shortly after consuming the food. She has alleged that the golgappas were poisoned.

Police sources said the woman’s condition deteriorated soon after eating.

Instead of taking her to a hospital, the accused reportedly told her he would arrange medical help and transported her on his motorcycle. However, he allegedly took her to the nearby Bairiya forest.

There, he is accused of assaulting her and attempting to strangle her. The attack reportedly left her with serious injuries near her eye and caused her to lose consciousness.

After regaining awareness, the woman managed to hide in a remote part of the forest and spent the night there in fear, according to her statement.

The next morning, she returned home and informed her family about the incident.

Police said the accused and the victim had been in a relationship for around six years and share a child. The couple had previously separated following objections from villagers. However, the accused allegedly reconnected with her later, promising marriage.

Based on the victim’s statement, an FIR was registered at Ramkanda Police Station. Acting swiftly, police arrested Saket Keshari and sent him to judicial custody.

Authorities have confirmed that a detailed investigation is underway to examine allegations of poisoning, assault, and attempted murder.