Hours after a Valentine’s Day dinner, a chartered accountant allegedly strangled and slit his wife’s throat during a long drive, then tried to stage the crime as a robbery; police arrested him after inconsistencies in his account.
On the night of 15 February, what was meant to be a quiet conclusion to Valentine’s Day turned into a grim tragedy for Mahak Kathuria (27), a bank employee working in Gurugram, when her husband chartered accountant Anshul Dhawan (30) reportedly killed her during a drive back to the city from Hisar.
The couple, married for less than five months, had spent the evening together celebrating Valentine’s Day before heading towards their home when the incident unfolded near Pahsaur village under Badli police station limits in Jhajjar district, Haryana.
Initially, Anshul rang Dial 112 around 11 pm claiming that unidentified assailants had intercepted their car during an attempted robbery, assaulted them and slit his wife’s throat. However, police quickly found inconsistencies in his narrative he could not describe the attackers, gave conflicting details, and was unable to account for the sequence of events accurately.
These contradictions prompted investigators to detain him for questioning, and within 18 hours he allegedly confessed to the premeditated murder, according to Jhajjar Police officials..
Mahak’s body was found in a dry canal close to the road, with severe injuries consistent with manual strangulation and a sharp-edged instrument. She was, according to multiple reports, two to five months pregnant at the time of her death. Investigators have recovered the weapon and are conducting detailed forensic analysis as part of the ongoing probe.
Police Investigation, Motive and Family Allegations
Police spokespeople confirmed that they were initially alerted by the husband’s call claiming a robbery. Badli Station House Officer Suresh Kumar said their rapid scrutiny of the 112 call, vehicle location and physical evidence soon undermined the husband’s account.
“His statements had multiple gaps he was unable to describe alleged attackers or the circumstances clearly,” Kumar told reporters, adding that sustained interrogation led to his confession.
According to officials and preliminary reports, Anshul first strangled Mahak before slitting her throat using scissors. He allegedly wore gloves to avoid leaving fingerprints an indication, police say, that the act was premeditated rather than impulsive.
Though police have not formally announced a motive, Anshul reportedly harboured suspicion over Mahak’s character and interactions with colleagues at the bank, leading to frequent quarrels between the couple.
Mahak’s family has also raised serious concerns. Her brother Akshay filed a complaint alleging that he was initially informed of an accident. When family members reached the scene, they found her body with deep wounds, contradicting the accident story.
Her sister Shruti demanded the strictest punishment for the accused, emphasising that the family had no inkling of domestic strife and believed everything seemed normal in the marriage. “She was full of life and looking forward to our future,” Shruti said, urging authorities for justice.
Local residents and relatives expressed shock, saying the couple appeared to be in a stable relationship publicly. Mehak’s father Krishna Kathuria had earlier suspected his son-in-law, according to reports, but many around the couple were taken by surprise by the brutality of the act.
Police have registered an FIR under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code pertaining to murder and are preparing to seek judicial custody of the accused as the investigation continues. Forensic experts have been called to further examine the crime site, and officers are going through CCTV footage along the route to reconstruct the timeline of the drive.
Domestic Violence, Mistrust and Early Warning Signs
The case has reignited broader discussions around domestic conflict, mental health, and early warning signs of domestic violence in relationships. Experts note that persistent suspicion, controlling behaviour, and unresolved emotional tension can escalate into grave outcomes if not addressed timely.
In many reported incidents nationwide, such patterns have preceded fatal outcomes, underscoring the need for accessible counselling services, community-level awareness initiatives and supportive intervention mechanisms.
Haryana, like other states in India, has legal provisions and helplines designed to support individuals facing domestic abuse, but stigma and fear often prevent early reporting. Advocates argue that societal frameworks must strengthen avenues where both partners in a marriage can seek help without fear of dishonour or legal backlash.
Civil society groups highlight that celebrations such as Valentine’s Day, typically associated with romance and harmony, can mask underlying relational distress that remains invisible until shockingly tragic moments.
The swift resolution of this case by local police does demonstrate improved investigative techniques and responsiveness. Yet, the deeper question of why intimate relationships sometimes spiral into violence remains pressing.
Domestic violence is a multifaceted issue that requires nuanced social interventions, from education and community support to law enforcement and mental health services.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The brutal murder of Mahak following a Valentine’s Day celebration is a sobering reminder that love must never be conflated with control, suspicion or fear. Tragedies like this expose how quickly domestic tensions can escalate into irreversible violence when communication breaks down and warning signs go unheeded.
While law enforcement acts decisively to uncover the truth and secure justice, equally important is society’s need to foster environments where individuals feel safe to voice concerns, seek help and resolve conflict with empathy rather than retaliation.
The Logical Indian believes that relationships and society at large thrive when respect, trust and compassion guide our bonds. Where there is doubt, open dialogue and counselling must be encouraged; where there is distress, support and intervention should be readily accessible.
We must move beyond sensational headlines towards systemic change that prioritises human dignity and safety.
