A 19-year-old woman was brutally raped and murdered after she chose to be in a relationship outside her community, police said. Investigators have arrested her brother and his friend for allegedly planning and executing the crime in the name of “honour”.
The case has sparked outrage and once again highlighted the dangers faced by young women who challenge rigid social norms.
Family Opposition Led to Deadly Plot
Police said the woman belonged to a family originally from Etah and Agra in Uttar Pradesh. She had been living in Manesar, Haryana, for nearly six years along with her brother.
Trouble began when the brother discovered that his sister was in a relationship with a 24-year-old man from another community. She wanted to marry him. The brother strongly opposed the relationship and decided to stop it at any cost.
He sent her back to their family home in Etah on November 15. The woman refused to give up. She returned to Manesar on November 22 and began living with her boyfriend.
Fake Promise Used to Trap Victim
Police said the brother then planned her murder. He took help from his 30-year-old friend and instructed him to gain the woman’s trust.
The friend contacted her and claimed he would help her escape and marry her boyfriend. Believing his story, the woman agreed to meet him on the night of December 10 near Rampura Chowk.
Instead of helping her, the accused took her to an isolated area in Gwalior.
Sexual Assault and Murder in an Isolated Area
Investigators said the accused raped the woman after taking her to the deserted spot. When she resisted, he assaulted her. He later strangled her with her scarf, killing her on the spot.
Police said the accused hid her body under debris in a nearby field in an attempt to destroy evidence.
After the crime, both the brother and his friend fled to their hometowns.
Brother Tried to Frame Victim’s Boyfriend
During the investigation, the brother allegedly tried to mislead the police. He claimed that the woman’s boyfriend was responsible for her disappearance and death. Police detained the boyfriend for questioning.
However, evidence and location data later confirmed that the brother and his friend were present at the crime scene. The boyfriend was cleared of all suspicion.
Police said sustained questioning led to a breakthrough. The brother confessed to planning the murder. The friend admitted to raping and killing the woman.
Authorities registered an FIR under sections related to murder, criminal conspiracy, and common intention under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Forensic Evidence to Strengthen Case
Police said DNA analysis, post-mortem reports, and a potency test of the accused will play a crucial role in strengthening the case. Investigators are also examining phone records and travel details to reconstruct the events leading to the murder.
The case once again exposes the harsh reality of honour-based violence in India. Despite legal protections, many young women continue to face deadly consequences for exercising personal choice.
Authorities said they would ensure strict punishment for those involved.