Rohtak Honour Killing Sparks Police Parade Controversy
In a dramatic scene that unfolded on Monday evening, four men accused in the alleged honour killing of a 22-year-old woman were paraded handcuffed through a bustling Rohtak market. The accused, all walking with limps and their legs in plaster, were flanked by police officers as they moved through Sukhpura Chowk in a 500-meter procession that drew mixed reactions from onlookers.
The Controversial Police Encounter and Public Display
The public parade came after the accused were recently discharged from the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (PGIMS) in Rohtak, where they were treated for bullet wounds sustained during what police describe as an encounter. Police officials defended the public display, stating they wanted to "break the public fear of criminals" by showing the accused in their current condition.
Later that same day, the four men were produced in court, though police clarified they were presented specifically in connection with the encounter case. A formal arrest in the murder case of Sapna, the 22-year-old victim, is yet to be recorded according to official statements.
The defense lawyer representing the accused challenged the police narrative in court, describing the encounter as "fake" and raising questions about how all four suspects had sustained similar injuries to their legs during the incident.
Background of the Alleged Honour Killing
Police investigations reveal that the victim, Sapna from Kanhi village, was killed because of her court marriage with fellow villager Suraj approximately three years and six months ago. The inter-caste marriage had caused deep resentment within Sapna's family, who perceived the union as causing "social embarrassment" within their community.
According to police accounts, frequent disputes had occurred between the households since the marriage. Police claim that Sapna's brother, Sanju, conspired with friends to kill both Sapna and Suraj after being disturbed by taunts from villagers and relatives about his sister's marriage choice.
The tragic incident occurred on the night of November 19 when the accused allegedly barged into Sapna's house and opened fire. Sapna was killed instantly during the attack, while her brother-in-law, Sahil, was shot in the abdomen and sustained injuries. Suraj reportedly escaped unharmed because he unexpectedly used a different auto-rickshaw than the one the assailants had targeted based on their earlier surveillance.
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Investigation
Following the court hearing, the victim's brother Sanju was granted two-day police custody, while co-accused Gaurav and Rahul were sent to jail. A fourth accused, identified as a minor, was produced before the Juvenile Justice Board for separate proceedings.
Surender Singh, station house officer (SHO) of the Sadar police station, confirmed that the accused would be interrogated further during the remand period. Police are also working to trace additional suspects linked to what they describe as a premeditated conspiracy to murder the couple.
The case has highlighted the ongoing challenge of honour crimes in certain parts of India, where families sometimes resort to violence against members who marry outside their caste or community. The police's unusual tactic of parading the accused through public streets has sparked debate about law enforcement methods and their messaging to the public about crime and punishment.
