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 of Uttar Pradesh. The brutal act came to light on Sunday morning, sending shockwaves through the local community.
Elopement Leads to Tragic Assault
The tragedy unfolded after the teenage girl eloped with an 18-year-old boy from her village a few days prior. According to police and local accounts, the couple had been in a relationship for nearly two years. Their attempt to start a life together was cut short when their families traced them and brought them back to the village on Saturday evening.
The situation turned violent upon their return. The young couple were reportedly confined in separate houses and subjected to a brutal assault by family members opposed to their relationship.
Gruesome Attempt to Conceal the Crime
The horror reached its peak when the girl was allegedly killed. In a desperate bid to destroy evidence, her family then tried to dispose of her body by burning it. Police, alerted by a local resident on Sunday morning, rushed to the spot. They managed to extinguish the funeral pyre and sent the remains for a postmortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.
Kasganj police, in an official statement, confirmed the grim sequence of events. "Preliminary investigation suggests that the girl was killed by her family members and her body was set on fire in an attempt to conceal the crime," the statement read. The family's house was found locked and had to be broken open for inspection, with the prime suspects now absconding.
Police Investigation and Legal Action
Law enforcement has swung into action. Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Sushil Kumar stated that the village head's representative, the 18-year-old boy, and his brother were called in for questioning. Two persons have been taken into custody and are being interrogated as part of the ongoing probe.
ASP Kumar emphasized that a case will be registered under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). "All facts of the case are being thoroughly investigated, and necessary legal action is being taken," he assured. To apprehend the fleeing family members, three dedicated police teams have been formed.
Authorities have also sought to reassure the public about the situation in the area. "Law and order in the area is normal. Strict legal action will be taken against those found guilty," Kumar added, vowing to bring the perpetrators to justice.
