In a shocking incident that has sent ripples across Uttar Pradesh, a Muslim youth and his Hindu girlfriend were brutally hacked to death allegedly by the woman’s brothers for being in an interfaith relationship.
The victims were identified as Armaan, 27, and Kajal, 22, both residents of the same village in Moradabad district. Armaan had returned to his native place only three months ago after working in Saudi Arabia. The two were reportedly in love, which was strongly opposed by Kajal’s family as they belonged to different religions.
Concern grew after Armaan’s father lodged a complaint with the police stating that the couple had been missing for the past three days. Acting on suspicion, the police detained Kajal’s three brothers for questioning.
During interrogation, the accused confessed to the crime. They admitted to tying the hands and legs of both Armaan and Kajal, hacking them to death and burying their bodies in a pit along a riverbank to conceal the crime.
Based on their confession, police exhumed the bodies on Wednesday evening from the spot identified by the accused. The weapons used in the gruesome murder were also recovered.
A case has been registered against all three brothers, who have been arrested and remanded in custody. In view of the sensitive nature of the incident, heavy police security has been deployed in the area to prevent any communal tension from flaring up.
