In a shocking and tragic incident, the bodies of a newly married couple were discovered hanging from a tree in Uttar Pradesh's Sitapur district on Sunday morning. The location added a layer of profound irony to the tragedy—it was the same tree under which the couple had solemnized their love marriage barely 22 days earlier.
Grim Discovery in Aniyapur Village
The deceased have been identified as Khushiram (22) and Mohini (20), residents of Aniyapur village under the Hargao police station limits. The village is situated approximately 55 km from the Sitapur district headquarters. According to police reports, villagers made the grim discovery early on Sunday when they noticed the two bodies hanging from a single noose on the tree. Authorities were immediately informed and rushed to the scene. The bodies were subsequently sent for a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.
A Love Story and a Secret Wedding
Family members revealed that Khushiram and Mohini had been in a relationship for nearly three years. Their journey culminated on December 6, when the couple secretly married at the Mahamai temple in their village. By the time both families learned about the marriage and reached the temple, the wedding rituals were already complete.
After some initial resistance, elders from both sides reportedly accepted the union. Mohini was formally brought to her new home as a bride. Khushiram's sister-in-law, Rita, stated that the couple appeared happy after their marriage, and no visible disputes or tensions were observed in the household.
The Fateful Night and Unanswered Questions
The events leading to their deaths are shrouded in mystery. On Saturday night, the couple had dinner together and retired to their room. In the early hours of Sunday, they were found missing from their home. A search was launched, which led to the tragic discovery near the Mahamai temple, about a kilometer from their residence.
Police officials noted a critical detail that has complicated the investigation: both bodies were hanging from the same rope, with their feet touching the ground. This unusual circumstance has raised serious questions about whether this was a double suicide or a murder staged to look like one.
Sitapur city circle officer Neha Tripathi addressed the media, stating, "Prima facie, it appeared to be a suicide, but all angles, including foul play, are being investigated. Further action will be taken based on the post-mortem report."
Social Speculation and Family Silence
The village is rife with speculation. While the families had formally accepted the marriage, some villagers point to underlying social pressure. Unconfirmed reports suggest the couple were cousins, a relationship that might have faced quiet disapproval despite the outward acceptance. However, the police have clarified that no formal allegations have been made by either family so far. Investigators are awaiting the post-mortem report for clarity on the sequence of events.
The case has cast a pall of sorrow over Aniyapur village, turning a symbol of joy—the tree where they married—into a site of an unspeakable tragedy. The police investigation continues to explore every possible angle behind this heartbreaking incident.
