Inderpal’s 27-year-old wife Kiranbala said she never got the government job that was promised. An official did help her find work at a government office, but it is for cleaning the premises and pays little. She said she is a daily wage worker and her income just not enough to sustain her two kids.

The family’s responsibility has fallen on Inderpal’s elder brother Hetram, who said he barely manages any saving now. Inderpal’s mother Savitri complained that the DM promised them Rs 3 lakh as victim compensation, but they did not get a penny. The village sarpanch, Rajneesh Godhara, said he has written to the DM several times but to no avail.

Recalling the incident that devastated the family, Savitri said her son and his wife were sleeping in the room next to the gate when some noise outside woke them up. The dogs were barking.

“It was around 3 am. My daughter-in-law looked out and informed that some men were taking away cattle. My son picked up a lathi and rushed out. He did even know that the vehicle was carrying one of our buffaloes too. He caught hold of a thief. But soon, a shot was fired,” she said.

Savitri said she dashed out hearing the gunshot and heard someone moan. “I asked who was it. They said it’s your son who has been shot,” she said.