A shocking honour killing has been reported from Sambhal district in Uttar Pradesh after a man allegedly strangled his own sister to death because of her relationship with a man from another community.
The woman has been identified as Roop Jahan, a 21-year-old resident of Matavali Patti Jaggu village. Police believe the killing was linked to her love affair with a young man from a different caste.
Brother himself called the police
The accused brother has been identified as Jaane Alam (25), and he himself informed the police about the crime late on Thursday night by calling 112, the emergency control room. A senior police official, ASP Kuldeep Singh, said Jaane Alam told officers he had killed Roop Jahan and surrendered. Officers reached the spot and took him into custody. Roop Jahan’s body was found lying on a charpoy and has been sent for post-mortem.
Investigators found that Roop Jahan had been in a relationship with 22-year-old Shivam Saini, a man from the Saini community in the same village. Her family allegedly opposed the relationship because he was not from their community. Police say Roop Jahan had even gone to stay at her boyfriend’s relative’s home in Amroha district at one point, but was brought back by her family after villagers intervened.
Strangled his sister in a fit of rage
The killing reportedly took place when other family members were away. Police said Jaane Alam strangled his sister “in a fit of rage” after a long period of conflict over her relationship. A case has been registered against him based on a complaint filed by the victim’s lover’s mother, and officers are also questioning other family members to see if anyone else was involved.
What has shocked many is the statement reportedly made by Nausher, the father of both the accused and the victim. According to officials, he defended his son’s act. In a quote shared with media, he said, “Roop’s conduct was unbecoming. She was in love with Shivam Saini and wanted to marry him. The villagers were making fun of me. My son has no remorse. It was correct to kill the girl who insulted us. He killed her in a fit of rage.” He added, “We are Muslims, and he is a Saini. How could we have performed the marriage?”
Police said they are continuing their probe and will take action against anyone found involved in planning or helping with the crime.
Sadly, cases of so-called “honour killings” continue to occur in parts of northern India. In similar incidents reported in recent years, young women have been attacked or killed by relatives who objected to their relationships or marriages outside caste or community norms. Courts have repeatedly made it clear that “honour” cannot justify violence, but pressure from society and family still leads to tragic outcomes.
