A man allegedly killed his neighbour couple in Meerut district after a long-standing dispute triggered by repeated taunts over his sister allegedly running away, police said on Tuesday, in a case that has shocked the local community.

According to investigators, the accused and the victims lived in the same neighbourhood and had a strained relationship for some time. Police said the accused was frequently subjected to verbal harassment, with the couple allegedly mocking him by repeatedly saying that his sister had eloped. The taunts reportedly escalated tensions and fuelled deep resentment.

On the day of the incident, an argument broke out between the two sides, which quickly turned violent. In a fit of rage, the accused allegedly attacked the couple, killing both on the spot. Neighbours alerted the police after hearing screams, following which law enforcement teams rushed to the area and took the accused into custody.

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Senior police officials said preliminary investigations suggest the crime was driven by personal humiliation and anger rather than premeditated planning. The weapon used in the attack has been recovered, and forensic teams have examined the crime scene to reconstruct the sequence of events.

The bodies of the victims were sent for post-mortem examination, while police registered a case of double murder. Officials said statements from neighbours and family members are being recorded to establish the history of the dispute and corroborate the motive cited by the accused.

The incident has reignited concerns over how persistent harassment and social stigma can escalate into extreme violence. Police said further investigation is underway, and the accused will be produced before a court, as authorities seek to ensure a swift and thorough probe into the killings.

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