In Banaskantha district of Gujarat, an 18-year-old woman’s desperate late-night Instagram message to her boyfriend — “Save me” — has led to the unravelling of a shocking case of honour killing. The victim, identified as Chandrika Chaudhary, was allegedly murdered by her father, Sedhabhai Patel, and uncle, Shivabhai Patel, at their home in Dantia, Tharad.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Suman Nala confirmed that two people have been arrested, while the victim’s father remains absconding.
Chandrika was in a relationship with Harish Chaudhary, a match her family opposed, insisting she marry someone else. Hours before her death on June 24, she sent Harish a message: “Come and get me; otherwise, my family will get me married against my will. If I don’t agree to the marriage, they will kill me. Save me.”
Her body was found at her home soon after. Initially believed to be a suicide, the incident drew suspicion after Harish filed a police complaint, alleging she was murdered, the NDTV reported.
ASP Nala revealed that days before her death, Chandrika had left home with Harish but was returned after police intervention following a missing complaint by her family. Harish later filed a habeas petition in court, but before it could be heard, news came of her death. The family produced a death certificate claiming natural causes.
Investigation exposes staged murder
Harish’s doubts prompted a police probe, which uncovered inconsistencies.
“Even in the case of natural death, it is a basic instinct for families to consult a doctor. But the girl was never taken to a doctor. She was hurriedly cremated. No close relatives were called after the death, not even her brother, who is studying in Palanpur. This led to a suspicion that the family was trying to hide something,” ASP Nala said.
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Police found that Chandrika’s father and uncle had planned to kill her if she refused to comply with their wishes.
“First, they gave her some sedatives and put her to sleep. Then they strangled her and hung her body to make it appear as a suicide. Those who saw her body at night believed she had killed herself. But in the morning, they told others she died due to natural causes,” the officer explained.
Technical analysis, circumstantial evidence, and conflicting statements confirmed it was a “planned and staged murder.” A case has been registered at Tharad police station, with two arrests made and a search underway for her father.
