Killed for her past? Ludhiana newlywed killed days after wedding

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A 21-year-old woman was allegedly found dead in her flat in Ludhiana’s Mohalla Fatehganj on Tuesday evening, just four months after her love marriage. The police suspect she was murdered, and her husband is currently missing, News18 reported.

According to the police, the deceased, Radhika, was killed by her husband, Sunil after discovering that she had been married before, which she had allegedly kept hidden from him. The couple had recently moved into the flat in Fatehganj, just four days before the incident. Earlier, they lived in the Tibba Road area.

Police believe the murder may have happened on Sunday. The crime came to light when neighbours complained about a foul smell coming from the locked flat. When the landlord was informed and the flat was opened, Radhika’s body was found hidden under a pile of clothes, the Hindustan Times reported.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (Central), Anil Bhanot, told HT that Radhika’s hands were tied with a piece of cloth and there were clear marks on her neck, indicating she had been strangled. The body was already decomposing.

The police have registered a case against Sunil, who remains untraceable. CCTV footage showed him leaving the flat around 4 am on Monday, carrying a bag. Neighbours said they had heard the couple arguing loudly the night before.

According to the police, Radhika had been married earlier and never told Sunil about it. He found out about her past two days before the murder and confronted her, which led to a heated argument. The police suspect this discovery may have triggered the murder.

Radhika’s sister, Asha, told the police that the couple had gotten married in a temple, as Sunil’s family initially disapproved of their relationship. However, they later accepted it. The family said the couple had planned to legally register their marriage soon.

According to the Division number 3 SHO Aditya Sharma, the victim’s family claimed the two were married, but they have no legal proof. Authorities said there is a possibility that the couple was in a live-in relationship.