A young unmarried couple, Balram (21) and Drishti (18), was allegedly murdered by the girl’s family in a suspected honour killing in Jaunmana village, Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh, police reported on Monday. The brutal incident, which unfolded on March 9, 2025, has sparked outrage in the community and reignited debates over societal norms clashing with personal relationships.

According to police, Balram, son of Rajeshwar, and Drishti, daughter of Pushpendra, were in a relationship unbeknownst to their families. On Sunday morning, Balram visited Drishti’s home while her family was away. However, Pushpendra returned unexpectedly and allegedly found the couple in a compromising position. In a fit of rage, he strangled them to death with a rope, police said. Local accounts note Balram belonged to the Nai (barber) community, while Drishti was from a Jat family, hinting at possible caste-based tensions fueling the violence.

Police arrested Pushpendra and Drishti’s cousin Vineet following an FIR lodged by Balram’s father, Rajeshwar, said Inspector Manoj Kumar Chahal from Baraut police station. Rajeshwar alleged that Balram was standing outside their home when Pushpendra’s son Shakti and cousin Sumit lured him away, after which his phone went offline. Hours later, Balram’s family discovered he had been killed inside Pushpendra’s house alongside Drishti. Drishti was pursuing computer training in Baraut, while Balram was a first-year BSc student at Janta Vaidik College.

The village is reeling from the tragedy, with Balram’s family demanding stringent action against the accused. The incident highlights the persistent menace of honour killings in India, where familial pride often overrides individual choices, leading to violent reprisals.