KKN Gurugram Desk | In a deeply disturbing incident that has shocked the nation, a 17-year-old girl named Aastha was brutally murdered by her own family in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. The heinous act, driven by the family’s disapproval of her relationship with a young man, underscores the persistent issue of honour killings in India.

Discovery of the Crime

On June 5, 2025, residents of Bahadurpur village in Meerut’s Partapur area discovered a headless body floating in a canal. The gruesome find prompted immediate police action. A slip of paper found in the victim’s hand, bearing the name ‘Vikas’ and a phone number, led investigators to identify the deceased as Aastha, a Class 12 student who had been missing since May 28.

Investigation and Arrests

The investigation revealed that Aastha’s mother, Rakesh Devi, along with her brother Monu and other relatives, had conspired to murder her due to their disapproval of her relationship with Vikas, whom she had met on social media. The family allegedly strangled Aastha, beheaded her using a bolt cutter, and disposed of her body in separate canals to hinder identification.

Police have arrested five individuals in connection with the crime: Rakesh Devi (mother), Monu (brother), Kamal Singh (maternal uncle), Samar Singh (another relative), and a 14-year-old minor cousin. A sixth suspect remains at large.

Community Reaction and Legal Proceedings

The brutal nature of the crime has sent shockwaves through the local community and the nation at large. Authorities have assured a thorough investigation and swift justice. The case has reignited discussions on the prevalence of honour killings in India and the urgent need for societal change.

Understanding Honour Killings

Honour killings are acts of violence, usually murder, committed by family members against individuals perceived to have brought dishonour upon the family. Such crimes often stem from cultural beliefs that prioritize family reputation over individual rights, particularly in matters related to relationships and marriage.

Aastha’s tragic death serves as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by entrenched patriarchal norms and the extreme measures some may take to uphold perceived family honour. It underscores the pressing need for societal introspection, legal reforms, and educational initiatives to combat such atrocities and protect individual freedoms.