On the afternoon of September 12, 2025, a brutal shooting unfolded near the bustling Roop Singh Stadium in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, claiming the life of 28-year-old Nandini Parihar. She was shot multiple times by her estranged husband, Arvind Parihar, a local contractor, in broad daylight.
Witnesses reported that Arvind fired four to five rounds at Nandini’s face at point-blank range, causing her to collapse on the road. Dazed and defiant, Arvind remained by her side with his loaded pistol while bystanders watched in shock.
Police officers quickly responded, using tear gas to subdue and arrest him after a tense standoff. Despite being rushed to JAH Hospital, Nandini succumbed to her injuries, prompting a murder case and an ongoing investigation by local authorities.
A History of Abuse and Legal Battles
The couple’s troubled relationship was marked by a complex and painful history. Nandini and Arvind had entered into a love marriage at an Arya Samaj temple, although both were already married to other individuals. Their union was filled with conflicts, including reports of domestic violence, deceit, and harassment. Nandini had previously lodged multiple complaints against Arvind, accusing him of physical assault, psychological abuse, and blackmail.
In November 2024, Arvind and an associate allegedly assaulted her, leading to criminal proceedings. She also revealed that Arvind had threatened her life, circulated fake obscene images and videos on social media, and even tried to run her, her son, and her mother over with a vehicle. Despite these grave accusations, previous attempts at reconciliation had occurred after his release from jail in early 2025.
National data shows nearly one-third of women aged 18–49 in India have experienced domestic violence, highlighting the pervasive nature of this issue. Despite legal measures, societal stigma and systemic gaps continue to hinder timely intervention and protection for survivors. This tragedy underscores the urgent need for enhanced community awareness, robust law enforcement, and proactive support systems to prevent such devastating outcomes.
The Police Response and Current Status
Senior Superintendent of Police Dharamveer Singh and the city police displayed quick thinking during the crisis. When Arvind threatened officers with his loaded firearm after shooting Nandini, police used tear gas to divert his attention, enabling them to make the arrest swiftly without further casualties.
The pistol was seized from the scene, and investigations are ongoing to piece together the full sequence of events. Police also confirmed the existence of six cases filed against Arvind periodically since 2024, including an attempted murder charge. Authorities are examining how previous law enforcement responses might have fallen short in protecting Nandini and potentially preventing this tragedy.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This heartbreaking episode highlights the urgent need to strengthen protections for women experiencing domestic violence and abuse. It is a grim reminder that warning signs and repeated complaints must be met with proactive, robust action by both police and society.
The Logical Indian calls for improved intervention mechanisms, enhanced legal support systems, and widespread community sensitisation to dismantle cycles of violence in intimate relationships. Beyond law enforcement, creating safe spaces for victims and educating the wider public about the gravity of domestic abuse are essential steps toward fostering a safer, more empathetic society.
