Two sons and a daughter killed their father and disposed of his body in the suburbs of Latehar, around 100 km northwest of Jharkhand capital Ranchi, according to the police in Chatra.
Family dispute is reported to be the reason behind their extreme step.
The deceased has been identified as Ramkeshwar Rajak. He was headmaster in a government upgraded middle school in Jamuna village.
The police have arrested the deceased's daughter Lalita Kumari (25), sons Anil Rajak (22) and Sunil Rajak (18) in this connection. They have been sent to jail.
The family members had initially reported to the police that their father had not returned home since leaving for Latehar to attend a training relating to forthcoming elections. However, investigation into the case disclosed their involvement, the police said, adding, the victim had a heated altercation with his children around 4.00 pm on March 23 on returning home after attending an election-related training. The headmaster left home after the quarrel in anger. His body was recovered on March 24.
"Four hours later when he returned home, he was attacked with a heavy stick on his head from behind. The accused later pounced on him and strangled him to death. Later, they tied the body with a bicycle and rolled it down into a forest trench at Semrahi Bijlitand near the NH-75 under the cover of darkness," said an investigation officer.
{{/usCountry}}"Four hours later when he returned home, he was attacked with a heavy stick on his head from behind. The accused later pounced on him and strangled him to death. Later, they tied the body with a bicycle and rolled it down into a forest trench at Semrahi Bijlitand near the NH-75 under the cover of darkness," said an investigation officer.
{{/usCountry}}The police said the deceased often had altercations with his wife who suspected him of having an extra-marital affair.
The police haven't arrested the deceased's wife, Basanti Devi and two other younger children who were reportedly present in the house at the time of the incident.
"Their role is under scanner," said police said.