In a horrifying incident in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, a father allegedly shot his 20-year-old daughter, Tanu Gurjar, four days before her wedding after she refused to marry a man of his choice, an Indian Navy sergeant. The tragic incident unfolded in the Gola Ka Mandir area on Tuesday night, as confirmed by Gwalior Superintendent of Police Nagendra Singh Sikarwar.
Dispute Over Marriage Choice
Tanu, a Class 12 student, was in a relationship with another man for six years. Although her family initially consented to their union, they later withdrew their approval, opting instead to arrange her marriage to the Navy officer. Tanu opposed the decision, leading to daily conflicts with her family.
According to police reports, the situation escalated into a heated argument on Tuesday night. Her father, Mahesh Singh Gurjar, and his cousin, Rahul, allegedly shot Tanu during the confrontation. While Rahul fled the scene, Mahesh was apprehended by the police after brandishing the weapon at the spot.
A Cry for Help Ignored
Two days before the incident, Tanu recorded a video detailing her plight, which she sent to the police and shared on social media. In the video, she expressed fear for her life, accusing her family of beating her daily and pressuring her to marry against her will.
‘Honour killing’ in Gwalior. 20 year old Gurjar girl allegedly shot dead in face and head by father and cousin, over refusal to marry groom of their choice. Before the killing, she had released a video, fearing for life from kin. @NewIndianXpress @TheMornStandard @santwana99 pic.twitter.com/ds7hISFbg7
— Anuraag Singh (@anuraag_niebpl) January 15, 2025
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“If something happens to me or I die, my family will be responsible,” Tanu said in her video. She appealed for help, stating that she wanted to marry the man she loved but was being coerced into marrying someone else.
Authorities arrested Mahesh Singh Gurjar at the scene, and efforts are underway to locate Rahul, who remains at large. Police are investigating the case further, examining the circumstances that led to the shooting and the family’s prior knowledge of Tanu’s distress.
A Stark Reminder of Honor-Related Violence
This tragic case underscores the ongoing issue of honor-related violence in India, where individuals, particularly women, face extreme consequences for asserting their autonomy in matters of love and marriage.
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Local law enforcement and community leaders are urging families to respect individual choices and seek peaceful resolutions to disputes. Meanwhile, Tanu’s tragic story serves as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by rigid societal norms and familial pressure.