Police in Delhi have arrested a father and a relative on suspicion of honour killing after a teenage girl, who was pregnant, was allegedly drowned in the Chambal River near Agra. The accused reportedly concocted a suicide narrative to mislead investigators.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, the arrests were made from the Tigri area in south Delhi, where the accused father, identified as Lakhpat Singh, and his relative resided. A preliminary investigation was initiated following a PCR call reporting the abduction and subsequent murder of the girl.
Authorities allege that Lakhpat Singh, upon learning of his daughter’s out-of-wedlock pregnancy, feared social repercussions and conspired with his relative to end her life. The pair are accused of taking the pregnant teenager to the banks of the Chambal River in Agra’s Basoni area and intentionally drowning her. The victim’s body has not yet been recovered, despite ongoing extensive search operations involving divers and a steamer, with the assistance of local authorities.
Investigating officers have stated that the accused individuals attempted to conceal the crime by fabricating a story suggesting the girl had died by suicide. They allegedly even presented photographs of a mock cremation ceremony to further deceive the police and obscure the true nature of the incident.
The victim, identified as Khushi, reportedly lived with her family in Delhi’s Tigri neighbourhood, though her family’s origins are in Basoni, Agra. Information available with The Chenab Times indicates that the family became aware of Khushi’s pregnancy approximately one month prior to the incident. Police sources have revealed that the teenager was involved in a relationship with a local minor.
The timeline provided by the police suggests that on July 28, Singh and his relative brought Khushi from Delhi to their native village. Their stated intention was to arrange for a medical termination of her pregnancy. After spending the night at a relative’s house, the three individuals proceeded to a ghat on the Chambal River the following morning. It is alleged that the accused initially compelled the teenager to enter the river. When she resisted, they purportedly pushed her into the water and subsequently drowned her.
The case highlights a disturbing pattern of honour-related violence, where societal pressures and perceived shame can lead to extreme actions. The incident has prompted a significant police response, involving coordination between the Delhi and Agra police departments to conduct thorough searches and gather evidence.
Legal experts note that honour killings, while not exclusive to any single region, often stem from deeply entrenched patriarchal norms and a rigid adherence to tradition, leading to tragic outcomes in attempts to maintain family or community honour. Authorities are continuing their efforts to locate the victim’s body and build a comprehensive case against the accused.
The Chenab Times News Desk