LUCKNOW: Two cases of suspected honour killings were reported from Uttar Pradesh within a span of 24 hours, one each from Etah and Kasganj districts.
In Etah district, a young married couple was allegedly killed in public view by the woman’s family. The incident took place in Garhiya Suhagpur village under the Jaitra police station area. The victims were identified as Shivani (19) and her husband Deepak (24).
According to police sources, the couple had been in a relationship for three years and had married at an Arya Samaj temple in Prayagraj on November 11 last year after eloping due to opposition from their families. A compromise was later reached between the two families at a police station in Kannauj on December 15, following which Shivani returned to her parental home on Saturday. On Sunday evening, Deepak went to meet her.
Villagers said the couple was talking on the terrace when Shivani’s family noticed them. They were allegedly dragged out and beaten with sticks in front of villagers. Shivani was reportedly killed first by slitting her throat. Deepak was then attacked and critically injured. Shivani’s body was left on the terrace, while Deepak was allegedly thrown onto a neighbouring rooftop.
Police reached the village after being informed of the incident. Deepak was found alive and taken to a community health centre before being referred to the district hospital. However, he died on the way. Shivani’s father, Ashok Kumar, a driver, was taken into custody, while her brothers are absconding. Shivani’s mother, Bitto Devi, denied the allegations and said her husband had not killed anyone.
Etah Senior Superintendent of Police Shyam Narayan Singh said both bodies were sent for post-mortem examination and a case of murder had been registered against the accused. “Strict action will be taken against all those involved," he said.
A few hours later, another suspected honour killing was reported from the Dholna police station area in Kasganj district. A 16-year-old girl was allegedly beaten to death by her family after she fled with her lover.
Police sources said the girl was in a relationship with Sachin, who works in Noida. The couple eloped on Friday but were traced and brought back from Agra the next evening. Villagers claimed that both were confined separately and beaten. The girl allegedly died during the assault.
After her death, the family allegedly cremated the body in a field in an attempt to destroy evidence. Police were alerted by Sachin’s brother, who feared that the boy’s life was also in danger. Officers reached the spot on Sunday morning, doused the pyre and recovered the remains for post-mortem.
The girl’s parents reportedly fled the village soon after the incident. Some villagers alleged that the family tried to pass off the death as a suicide, claiming the girl had hanged herself.
Kasganj Additional Superintendent of Police Sushil Kumar said an FIR had been registered, three teams were formed and arrests would be made soon.