A highly sensational and heart-wrenching case of honour killing has emerged from Moradabad district in Uttar Pradesh. A young man and a young woman belonging to different religions were brutally murdered solely because they were in a consensual romantic relationship. In this double murder case, the woman’s three real brothers have been accused of carrying out the killings.
The victims have been identified as 19-year-old Kajal and 27-year-old Mohammad Arman. According to a report by The Indian Express, Kajal’s brothers—Rajaraman, Satish, and Rinku Saini—have been named as the accused.
As per police officials, the incident took place in the early hours of January 19 in Umri village of Moradabad. It is reported that late at night, Mohammad Arman had gone to Kajal’s house to meet her and was present in her room. During this time, one of Kajal’s brothers became aware of his presence.
He then called his other two brothers, and all three forcibly entered the room. The accused allegedly began assaulting both Arman and Kajal and prevented other family members from entering the room.
According to the police, one of the brothers brought a spade from the house and repeatedly attacked Mohammad Arman with it. Due to the severe injuries, Arman collapsed, bleeding profusely, and died on the spot.
After Arman’s murder, Kajal, terrified, ran out of the house and tried to raise an alarm. However, the three brothers caught hold of her and brutally killed her as well by attacking her with the spade.
Following the murders, the accused attempted to dispose of the bodies. Police said that both bodies were buried near the bank of a river in the Pakbada police station area.
On the evening of January 21, the police recovered both bodies, leading to the exposure of the entire incident.
A senior police officer stated that a case has been registered under sections related to murder, destruction of evidence, and criminal conspiracy. The police have said that given the seriousness of the case, the investigation is being carried out from all angles and strict punishment will be ensured for the guilty.
This incident once again highlights deep-rooted issues such as honour killing, religious intolerance, and violence against young people for exercising their personal choices. Despite the Constitution and the law guaranteeing individual freedom, such crimes raise serious questions about prevailing social attitudes.
