Brutal end: UP couple who eloped and married lured back by family, throats slit in full public view

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• Young couple killed in suspected honour killing in Etah, Uttar Pradesh
• Three family members arrested, two brothers absconding
• Police investigating, FIR filed against five accused

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A young couple who had eloped and married at a temple last month were brutally killed in what police suspect is an honour killing in Etah district of Uttar Pradesh.

The victims, a 19-year-old girl and her 23-year-old husband, were allegedly beaten and had their throats slit by members of the woman’s family in full public view on January 11, The Times of India reported.

The incident took place in Gadhiya Suhagpur village under Jaithra police station limits. The victims were identified as Shivani Kumari and Deepak Kumar. Both belonged to the Lodhi-Rajput community and lived in the same locality. Deepak worked with a private company in Prayagraj.

According to police, the couple had been in a relationship for the past three years. On December 11, they eloped and got married at an Arya Samaj temple in Prayagraj, despite strong opposition from Shivani’s family. After the marriage, they were living away from their village.

Police said Shivani was called back to her parental home on January 10 by her family. The next day, around 7 pm, Deepak came to meet her. It was then that members of Shivani’s family allegedly attacked the couple with sticks and a trowel, while villagers watched.

"After thrashing the couple, the attackers slit Shivani's throat. As Deepak ran to save his life, he was caught and his throat was also slit. The attackers then threw the blood-soaked body on the roof of a neighbour's house," a villager was quoted by TOI as saying.

Police reached the spot shortly after being informed. Shivani was found dead at the scene. Deepak was still alive and was rushed to a nearby community health centre. From there, he was referred to the district hospital, but he died on the way.

An FIR has been registered under Sections 103(1) (murder) and 191 (rioting) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against five members of Shivani’s family. Three accused, her father Ashok Kumar (45), mother Vitoli Devi (42), and sister Shilpi (20), have been arrested. Her brothers, Satish and Jabar Singh Vikas, are currently absconding.

Etah Senior Superintendent of Police Shyam Narayan Singh said preliminary investigation suggests that Shivani’s father and brothers played a key role in the double murder. Police teams have been formed to arrest the remaining accused.

In his complaint, Deepak’s father Radheyshyam, who works with the forest department, alleged that Shivani’s family attacked the couple with sharp weapons in front of terrified villagers. Further investigation is underway.