In a chilling case of honour killing from Uttar Pradesh’s Hardoi district, a 24-year-old woman who defied her family to marry a man of her choice was allegedly shot dead by her own mother and elder brother.
Police have arrested both accused, exposing a murder that was initially projected as a suicide.
The victim, identified as Manvi Mishra, was found dead at her home on August 28 with a gunshot wound to her temple. Her family first tried to dismiss the death as a case of suicide, but crucial forensic inconsistencies raised suspicion.
No suicide note was recovered, and investigators soon noticed that the weapon was placed unnaturally — on the wrong side of her body.
Family Opposed Inter-Caste Marriage
Manvi had married Abhinav Kumar, a government school principal in Bareilly, earlier this year at an Arya Samaj temple.
The marriage, however, had enraged her family since Abhinav belonged to a backward-class community. Despite opposition, the couple tied the knot on January 7, after which Manvi moved in with her husband.
When her family discovered the marriage, her brother Ashutosh Mishra alias Veeru (27) visited her in Bareilly and persuaded her to return home, promising that a grand wedding would be arranged in December. Trusting his word, Manvi went back to her parents’ house.
But once home, tensions simmered. Frequent arguments reportedly broke out over her marriage. On the night of the incident, police said, her mother, Choti Bitya (55), and brother Ashutosh shot her at close range while she slept.
Police Investigation Exposes Murder Plot
Station House Officer (SHO) Sompal Gangwar of Pali police station said the family’s version fell apart during the inquiry. Forensic details revealed that the bullet had entered through the left side of her head, while the pistol was planted in her right hand — a mismatch that ruled out suicide.
“During the probe, it became clear that the family was unhappy with her marriage. The evidence pointed to the mother and brother being directly involved in the killing,” the SHO said.
The murder weapon, a country-made pistol, has been recovered. Following a complaint filed by Manvi’s husband, a case of murder was registered, and both accused were arrested on Thursday.
Victim’s Background
Manvi, a bright young woman, was preparing for competitive examinations. Her husband, Abhinav Kumar, in his 30s, serves as the principal of a government school in Bareilly. Their inter-caste marriage was a union of choice, but it cost Manvi her life amid deep-seated social prejudices.
This case once again highlights the grim reality of honour killings in India, where family honour and rigid caste lines often outweigh human life.
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