In a chilling incident from Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, a 17-year-old girl named Aastha, also known as Tanishka, was allegedly murdered and beheaded by her own mother and relatives after they discovered her relationship with a young man she had met on social media.
The crime allegedly took place on May 28 in Daurala, but her headless body was found only on June 5 in the Bahadurpur canal. Police have arrested five people, including her mother, brother, and three other relatives, while a sixth accused remains at large.
Officials confirmed the murder was allegedly driven by the family’s disapproval of her relationship, a tragic example of an ‘honour killing’ that has shocked the local community. Investigations are ongoing, with police recovering the suspected murder weapon and a vehicle allegedly used in disposing of the body.
Family’s Disapproval Allegedly Turns Deadly
According to Meerut Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Dr. Vipin Tada, the horrific murder was allegedly premeditated and carried out by Aastha’s mother, Rakesh Devi, and her younger brother Monu, with assistance from other relatives.
The girl was allegedly first strangled to death inside her home and then beheaded using a bolt cutter — a brutal act intended to prevent identification. The perpetrators allegedly wrapped the body in a sheet and dumped it in the Bahadurpur canal, while the severed head was disposed of separately in the Ganga canal.
The crime came to light when a local farmer spotted the body floating in the canal. Police identified the victim through her clothing and a note found on her, which revealed her identity.
SSP Tada revealed that Aastha had developed a relationship with a young man she met on social media about eight months prior, which allegedly enraged her family. The girl’s father, a CRPF personnel stationed in Chhattisgarh, was reportedly unaware of the murder and the family’s actions.
Investigation and Community Reaction
Following the discovery, police formed six investigative teams to track down all involved. Forensic experts recovered the suspected murder weapon—a sickle—and a white car allegedly used to transport and dispose of the body.
The family initially tried to allegedly mislead authorities by filing a missing person complaint and claiming Aastha had left for school and never returned. The arrested individuals include Rakesh Devi (mother, 40), Monu (brother, 26), Kamal Singh (56), Samar Singh (54), and a 14-year-old minor relative.
Another accused, Gaurav from nearby Hapur, remains at large. All arrested have been sent to judicial custody. The community has expressed deep shock and outrage over the brutality, with many condemning the act as a grave violation of human rights and a stark reminder of the dangers of honour-based violence.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This tragic incident is a stark reminder of the deadly consequences of patriarchal mindsets and the toxic concept of ‘honour’ that continues to plague parts of Indian society. No cultural or familial tradition can justify such heinous violence against a child, especially when motivated by personal choice and love.
The Logical Indian firmly stands against all forms of honour killings and urges society to embrace empathy, respect, and open dialogue.
It is imperative that families, communities, and authorities work together to create safe environments where young people can express themselves freely without fear of violence or retribution. How can we, as a society, dismantle the harmful beliefs that lead to such tragedies and ensure protection for vulnerable individuals?
