NEW DELHI: Two young women allegedly lost their lives in an honour killing in Rajasthan’s Dholpur district after being thrown into a river by members of their own family, police said on Friday (June 19).
Investigators have named the women’s father and several relatives as suspects while examining the circumstances that led to the deaths.
According to the police, preliminary findings indicate that the victims were targeted because of a romantic relationship that was reportedly opposed by their family.
The incident is said to have taken place on the night of June 11 near Sagarpada Bridge.
Superintendent of Police Vikas Sangwan said authorities received information alleging that Bharat Lodha, a resident of Pharakpur village and father of four, had killed two of his daughters.
Acting on the information, police teams reached the area and began examining the scene.
Early inquiries pointed towards family involvement, prompting investigators to explore the possibility of an honour killing.
"The Sadar Police received information raising suspicions that Bharat Lodha, a father of four, had murdered two of his daughters in Pharakpur village.
"Acting on this information, our teams arrived at the scene and inspected the site.
"Preliminary inquiries and information suggest that the matter involved a romantic relationship that the family did not approve of," Sangwan said.
Police suspect the women were pushed into the river from Sagarpada Bridge. However, officials stressed that the investigation is still underway and several aspects of the case are yet to be verified.
"Initial details indicate that the family members pushed their daughters off the Sagarpada Bridge into the river.
"The facts gathered so far are preliminary; we are continuously investigating all aspects, and the full details of the case will be revealed soon. This incident happened around 9-10pm on 11 June," the SP said.
Police examining route, vehicle and sequence of events
Investigators are attempting to reconstruct what happened before the alleged crime.
Police are examining how the victims were taken to the location, who accompanied them, and the mode of transport used.
"We are currently investigating the details related to the modus operandi, the route they chose, at what time the girls were taken to the location, what mode of vehicle was used, and the parties involved.
"These facts are still being verified. We are continuously working, and further investigation is underway," Sangwan said.
The officer added that available information currently places the incident between 9pm and 10pm on June 11, though officials are carrying out further verification.
Police teams continue to gather evidence from the site and question individuals linked to the case.
Authorities said legal action will follow based on the findings of the ongoing investigation. - The Statesman/ANN
