In a shocking incident of suspected honour killing, a 16-year-old girl was allegedly murdered and her body set on fire by her own family members in Kasganj district, Uttar Pradesh. The brutal act came after the teenager eloped with an 18-year-old boy from her village.
Gruesome Discovery and Police Action
The Kasganj police were alerted about the crime on Sunday morning by a local resident. The informant revealed that the young couple, who had been in a relationship for nearly two years, had left the village a few days prior. They were traced and brought back to the village on Saturday evening by the girl's family.
The duo was then confined in separate houses and subjected to a brutal assault. According to the police statement, preliminary investigation indicates the girl was killed by her relatives, who then attempted to dispose of the evidence by burning her body.
Police teams rushed to the spot, extinguished the pyre, and sent the remains for a postmortem examination. The family's house was found locked and had to be broken open for inspection, as the suspects had fled.
Investigation Underway, Accused Absconding
Additional Superintendent of Police Sushil Kumar confirmed that a thorough probe is in progress. Two persons have been taken into custody for questioning, including the boy and his brother. The village head's representative was also questioned.
"A case will be registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). All facts of the case are being thoroughly investigated, and necessary legal action is being taken," stated Kumar.
He assured that law and order in the area is normal and emphasized the commitment to apprehend the culprits. Three special police teams have been formed to track down and arrest the absconding family members. "Strict legal action will be taken against those found guilty," the officer added.
A Pattern of Violence
This tragic event highlights the persistent issue of honour-based violence in parts of the country. The extreme step taken by the family to allegedly kill their daughter and burn her body points to a deeply entrenched social malice. Police are treating the case with utmost seriousness, aiming to deliver swift justice.
The incident serves as a grim reminder of the challenges faced in combating such crimes, despite stringent laws. The investigation continues as authorities work to piece together the complete sequence of events and ensure all involved face the full force of the law.
