A horrific case of suspected honour killing has emerged from Parchh village in the Maudaha area of Hamirpur district, where a 24-year-old man was allegedly tied up and beaten to death by the family of his cousin, who was also his girlfriend. The victim, Ravi Shriwas, a resident of Jaspura in Banda district, was killed on Wednesday afternoon after he went to meet the 18-year-old woman he loved. Moments after learning about Ravi’s death, the distraught young woman attempted suicide by slitting her throat. She is currently in critical condition at a local hospital.
Violent Confrontation at the House
According to police officials, Ravi arrived in Parchh village around noon to meet the woman named Manisha with whom he shared a long-standing romantic relationship. The situation turned violent when her uncle, Pintoo, caught Ravi at the house in allegedly uncomfortable situation. Eyewitnesses reported that a heated argument broke out, and Pintoo allegedly attacked Ravi with a knife. Soon, other family members joined in, tying Ravi with a rope and attacking him with sticks, which led to his death.
Family’s False Claim and Police Suspicion
After the assault, the accused took the severely injured Ravi to the nearby government hospital. There, doctors declared him dead on arrival. The family initially tried to mislead authorities, claiming that Ravi had consumed sulphas tablets (a poison) and even showed an empty container as proof. However, doctors grew suspicious after noticing visible injuries and signs of beating, and they immediately informed the police.
Police Action and Investigation
Following the incident, Ravi’s father, Uma Shankar alias Kali Deen, filed a First Information Report (FIR) against five people. Hamirpur Superintendent of Police (SP) Deeksha Sharma confirmed that the case had been registered, saying, “The preliminary probe suggests Ravi was murdered inside the house. The woman’s condition remains serious.” Police have detained three suspects so far and deployed additional forces in the village to prevent any tension or unrest.
Girlfriend Attempts Suicide
Soon after police reached the village and news of Ravi’s death spread, the young woman reportedly slit her throat in shock. Villagers rushed her to the Maudaha government hospital in an auto-rickshaw. Her uncle Pintoo also sustained injuries during the altercation and was later referred to another hospital for further treatment after receiving first aid.
Background: A Forbidden Love
Police revealed that Ravi and the woman were first cousins. Ravi’s family had moved from Parchh to Banda around 20 years ago, but both families remained aware of their relationship one that had been strongly opposed from the beginning. Earlier this year, Ravi had reportedly eloped with the woman, just four days before her scheduled marriage on June 2. Under police pressure, she was recovered two weeks later, which worsened the hostility between the two families. Her second marriage was arranged in Kadaura, Jalaun district, and was to take place on November 2. Police suspect Ravi visited her on Wednesday to convince her to run away again, which likely triggered her family’s violent reaction.
Ravi’s Last Video Message
Before heading to Parchh village, Ravi had recorded and shared a video message, expressing anger that the woman’s family had arranged her marriage once again. In the video, he spoke emotionally about their relationship and his frustration over her upcoming November 2 wedding.
Family’s Counterclaim
Meanwhile, the woman’s grandmother, Kalli, gave a different version of events. She claimed that her granddaughter had ended her relationship with Ravi and had agreed to marry the man chosen by her family. Kalli alleged that Ravi tried to forcibly take the girl away and had first attacked Pintoo with a knife, which led to the fatal confrontation.
Ongoing Investigation
Police said the investigation is still ongoing. Once the young woman’s health improves, her official statement will be recorded to verify the sequence of events. Authorities continue to probe the case as a suspected honour killing, a grim reminder of the social stigma surrounding relationships considered unacceptable by families in many parts of India
