BARABANKI: A woman died after the owner of an illegal clinic and his nephew allegedly performed a surgery on her by watching a YouTube video, police said on Wednesday.The incident occurred in the Kothi police station area, where the duo was reportedly operating a clinic without proper authorisation, police said.According to authorities, Munishra Rawat, wife…
A wrongful death lawsuit filed against Royal Caribbean alleges that the body of a California man was stored in a refrigerator for the remainder of a three-day cruise after he died following a violent restraint by ship security. The complaint claims the man, 35-year-old Michael Virgil, had been served 33 alcoholic drinks under the cruise…
![Aanchal Mamimdwar seated before a photograph of Saksham Tate The visuals are surreal — and deeply unsettling. Men, some struggling to hold back tears, carry a body wrapped in white cloth into a dimly lit room. Moments later, a young woman steps forward, devastated. Through choking sobs, she performs rituals usually reserved for a wedding ceremony, symbolically “marrying” the lifeless body.This is the story of Saksham Tate and Aanchal Mamidwar, a young inter-caste couple from Nanded, Maharashtra — he a Scheduled Caste (SC) youth, she from the Other Backward Classes (OBC) community. The accused are Aanchal’s own family members, who she says had long opposed their relationship.A formal police probe is under way, but the allegations reflect a continuing and uncomfortable reality: caste-based murders, euphemistically called “honour killings,” still occur with alarming regularity across India.The murderSaksham and Aanchal had been together for three years. On November 27, Saksham was attacked by a group of six men — including Aanchal’s father and two brothers — and died on the spot.All six have been arrested; two others are still absconding. The accused face charges under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including murder.But crucially, they cannot be charged with “honour killing” — because Indian law does not recognise the category.This raises a fundamental question: why is there still no specific law against honour killings? And why do such crimes persist even today?What is ‘honour killing’?In July 2009, then home minister P. Chidambaram described honour crimes in Parliament as violence — usually murder — committed by family members who believe a relative has brought “dishonour” to the family. Since honour killing is not separately defined under Indian law, the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) records it under the broader category of murder. “Honour crimes are acts of violence, usually murder, mostly committed by family members predominantly against female relatives, who are perceived to have brought dishonour upon the family. These are rooted in antiquated traditions and social values. Since ‘honour killing’ is not a crime classified separately under the Indian laws, no data is collected separately regarding this crime by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) and the same is covered under ‘murder.’"P ChidamabarmIn many cases, both partners are targeted. In others — as in Nanded — the man becomes the primary victim.The term gained prominence in the 2000s, especially in Haryana, where Khap Panchayat diktats were frequently linked to such crimes. As media penetration grew, cases from other states also came to light.The Manoj–Babli case that changed the conversationIn 2007, newlyweds Manoj and Babli were murdered by her relatives on a Khap’s orders. In 2010, five perpetrators were sentenced to death — the first death sentence in an honour killing case in India. The high court later commuted four of these to life terms. Manoj-Babli case timelineWhere honour killings occur — and where they don’tAlthough widely associated with Haryana, NCRB data from 2017–2022 shows a different picture:Jharkhand recorded the highest number, with 66 of 221 cases.Honour crimes in India in 2017 (data source: NCRB)Honour crimes in India in 2021Honour crimes in India from 2017-2022 (data source: NCRB)Haryana reported 14 cases, though activists say many more go unreportedEven allowing for underreporting, the data challenges common assumptions about where honour crimes are concentrated.Why cases remain hiddenDr Mayura Sabne, assistant professor of law at Gandhinagar’s Karnavati University, told The Times of India: “The police cannot intervene unless a complaint is filed. Victims often fear community retaliation. When family members are the accused, cases stay private. Many women do not report because they end up facing harassment themselves.”Dr Mayura SabneChidambaram, in his 2009 speech, also spoke about the “privacy” surrounding such killings, noting that motives remain concealed within families. "It is difficult to identify or classify an honour killing as such in any given community, since the reasons for these killings often remain a closely guarded private family matter."P ChidambaramIn the Nanded case, two policemen are now under inquiry after Aanchal alleged they had “instigated” her brother to attack Saksham — raising questions about local police conduct.What the law currently providesRajasthan is the only state with a dedicated law against honour-based violence — the Rajasthan Prohibition of Interference with the Freedom of Matrimonial Alliances Act, 2019. Rajasthan Act, 2019Elsewhere, honour killings are prosecuted under general BNS (formerly IPC) sections on:Murder / culpable homicideAttempt to murderAbetmentCriminal conspiracyIn caste-based cases, the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act is often invoked.Government response and Supreme Court directivesChidambaram’s 2009 address listed several steps: sensitising police and judiciary, enforcing existing laws, setting up women’s cells, exclusive police stations, counselling, and training officers in gender and atrocity laws.Acting on the Supreme Court’s 2018 judgment in Shakti Vahini vs Union of India, the Centre asked states to:Identify districts with past honour killingsMonitor inter-caste and inter-religious marriagesAct against illegal Khap gatheringsProvide safe houses for couplesFast-track trials, ideally within six monthsWhy no national law?Dr Sabne explains: “The crime is already covered under other sections. But social customs often override legal norms. When society doesn’t recognise something as a crime, the state struggles to legislate it.”Dr Mayura SabneShe compares this to mob lynching and triple talaq — both became explicitly illegal only after sustained public pressure and documentation of harm. “Honour is abstract. The law deals in certainties. That’s where the gap lies.”Dr Mayura SabneWhy honour killings persistDespite rapid urbanisation, cases continue across Maharashtra, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Jharkhand. Sabne attributes this to deeply embedded patriarchy: Women are expected not to marry outside caste or religion. Society still tries to govern adult relationships. This controlling nature drives many crimes."Dr Mayura SabneRecent cases of suspected honour killing in MaharashtraAugust 26, 2025 (Nanded): Man allegedly kills daughter, her lover; dumps their bodies in a wellApril 26, 2025 (Jalgaon): A retired CRPF sub-inspector allegedly shoots and kills his daughter; son-in-law seriously injuredFebruary 8, 2025 (Pune): Man found dead with stab wounds; family alleges he was under pressure from in-laws to divorceJanuary 6, 2025 (Jalna): Minor pushed off cliff allegedly by her cousin; family disapproved of her relationshipJuly 14, 2024 (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar): Man killed in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar; wife blames her father, cousinThe way forwardThe Nanded case is a stark reminder of the legal and social vacuum that allows honour-based violence to thrive. While BNS provisions can prosecute murder, they do not capture the motive of perceived dishonour, nor the targeted nature of such killings.Beyond legal reform, the challenge is societal: confronting caste prejudice, gender control, and family-driven violence.As Sabne notes, digital documentation under the new BNS framework may improve evidence collection. But lasting change will require a deeper social shift — one that recognises the right of young people to choose whom they love, without fear of being punished for itAbout the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosExplained: Did Mexico Follow Trump’s Footsteps To Slap Tariff on India? Impact on Indian TradersKharge Hits Back As JP Nadda Slams Nehru, Congress Over Vande Mataram In Rajya SabhaSouth Asian Bloc Minus India? Why Pak’s Fresh Regional Pitch Fails On Economics, Politics, Geography‘Hands Were Trembling’: Rahul Gandhi Takes Sharp Dig At Amit Shah Over Ls AddressTrump’s Million Gold Card Explained: What America’s Costliest Visa Means For Indian ApplicantsUS Clears 6 Million F-16 Upgrade For Pakistan, Sparking Major Strategic Ripples Across South AsiaGoa Club Owners Saurabh & Gaurav Luthra Arrested in Phuket After Deadly Fire‘Damaging India, Hurting America’: Jayapal Flags Tariff Crisis Hitting Both NationsAmid Flight Meltdown, IndiGo Chairman Denies Claims of Rule Manipulation and Crisis EngineeringIndia-US Relations Face Hurdle As US Engages Pakistan Military, Says Dhruva Jaishankar123Photostories10 quick Korean phrases you can learn before you land in KoreaAre Khalid Al Ameri and Sunainaa Yella getting married? Inside the love story Instagram tried to soft-launch8 types of comforting Chaats to enjoy during winterPriyanka Chopra to Katrina Kaif: Decoding bridal jewellery of Bollywood actresses that belongs in your wedding vanityDhurandhar, Mission Majnu, Raazi; Gripping spy movies that expose and destroy deadly terror plots5 aggressive pet fish that aren’t for beginnersHow IGI Airport Is Using AI and Upgraded Runways to Beat Winter Fog9 heart-healthy foods with the highest amount of Omega 3 fatty acids8 everyday popular foreign brands Indians often assume are IndianBaby boy names inspired by Lord Vishnu123Hot PicksUS Pakistan DealTrump Gold CardSpiceJet FlightGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingSherrone MooreIsaiah RiderStephen CurryAdrian MorejonLebron JamesOlivia DunneTroy AikmanBengaluru CrimePaige Shiver Net WorthGabrielle Union](https://vknewstoday.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1765463714_photo-600x400.jpg "Aanchal Mamimdwar seated before a photograph of Saksham Tate The visuals are surreal — and deeply unsettling. Men, some struggling to hold back tears, carry a body wrapped in white cloth into a dimly lit room. Moments later, a young woman steps forward, devastated. Through choking sobs, she performs rituals usually reserved for a wedding ceremony, symbolically “marrying” the lifeless body.This is the story of Saksham Tate and Aanchal Mamidwar, a young inter-caste couple from Nanded, Maharashtra — he a Scheduled Caste (SC) youth, she from the Other Backward Classes (OBC) community. The accused are Aanchal’s own family members, who she says had long opposed their relationship.A formal police probe is under way, but the allegations reflect a continuing and uncomfortable reality: caste-based murders, euphemistically called “honour killings,” still occur with alarming regularity across India.The murderSaksham and Aanchal had been together for three years. On November 27, Saksham was attacked by a group of six men — including Aanchal’s father and two brothers — and died on the spot.All six have been arrested; two others are still absconding. The accused face charges under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including murder.But crucially, they cannot be charged with “honour killing” — because Indian law does not recognise the category.This raises a fundamental question: why is there still no specific law against honour killings? And why do such crimes persist even today?What is ‘honour killing’?In July 2009, then home minister P. Chidambaram described honour crimes in Parliament as violence — usually murder — committed by family members who believe a relative has brought “dishonour” to the family. Since honour killing is not separately defined under Indian law, the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) records it under the broader category of murder. “Honour crimes are acts of violence, usually murder, mostly committed by family members predominantly against female relatives, who are perceived to have brought dishonour upon the family. These are rooted in antiquated traditions and social values. Since ‘honour killing’ is not a crime classified separately under the Indian laws, no data is collected separately regarding this crime by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) and the same is covered under ‘murder.’"P ChidamabarmIn many cases, both partners are targeted. In others — as in Nanded — the man becomes the primary victim.The term gained prominence in the 2000s, especially in Haryana, where Khap Panchayat diktats were frequently linked to such crimes. As media penetration grew, cases from other states also came to light.The Manoj–Babli case that changed the conversationIn 2007, newlyweds Manoj and Babli were murdered by her relatives on a Khap’s orders. In 2010, five perpetrators were sentenced to death — the first death sentence in an honour killing case in India. The high court later commuted four of these to life terms. Manoj-Babli case timelineWhere honour killings occur — and where they don’tAlthough widely associated with Haryana, NCRB data from 2017–2022 shows a different picture:Jharkhand recorded the highest number, with 66 of 221 cases.Honour crimes in India in 2017 (data source: NCRB)Honour crimes in India in 2021Honour crimes in India from 2017-2022 (data source: NCRB)Haryana reported 14 cases, though activists say many more go unreportedEven allowing for underreporting, the data challenges common assumptions about where honour crimes are concentrated.Why cases remain hiddenDr Mayura Sabne, assistant professor of law at Gandhinagar’s Karnavati University, told The Times of India: “The police cannot intervene unless a complaint is filed. Victims often fear community retaliation. When family members are the accused, cases stay private. Many women do not report because they end up facing harassment themselves.”Dr Mayura SabneChidambaram, in his 2009 speech, also spoke about the “privacy” surrounding such killings, noting that motives remain concealed within families. "It is difficult to identify or classify an honour killing as such in any given community, since the reasons for these killings often remain a closely guarded private family matter."P ChidambaramIn the Nanded case, two policemen are now under inquiry after Aanchal alleged they had “instigated” her brother to attack Saksham — raising questions about local police conduct.What the law currently providesRajasthan is the only state with a dedicated law against honour-based violence — the Rajasthan Prohibition of Interference with the Freedom of Matrimonial Alliances Act, 2019. Rajasthan Act, 2019Elsewhere, honour killings are prosecuted under general BNS (formerly IPC) sections on:Murder / culpable homicideAttempt to murderAbetmentCriminal conspiracyIn caste-based cases, the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act is often invoked.Government response and Supreme Court directivesChidambaram’s 2009 address listed several steps: sensitising police and judiciary, enforcing existing laws, setting up women’s cells, exclusive police stations, counselling, and training officers in gender and atrocity laws.Acting on the Supreme Court’s 2018 judgment in Shakti Vahini vs Union of India, the Centre asked states to:Identify districts with past honour killingsMonitor inter-caste and inter-religious marriagesAct against illegal Khap gatheringsProvide safe houses for couplesFast-track trials, ideally within six monthsWhy no national law?Dr Sabne explains: “The crime is already covered under other sections. But social customs often override legal norms. When society doesn’t recognise something as a crime, the state struggles to legislate it.”Dr Mayura SabneShe compares this to mob lynching and triple talaq — both became explicitly illegal only after sustained public pressure and documentation of harm. “Honour is abstract. The law deals in certainties. That’s where the gap lies.”Dr Mayura SabneWhy honour killings persistDespite rapid urbanisation, cases continue across Maharashtra, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Jharkhand. Sabne attributes this to deeply embedded patriarchy: Women are expected not to marry outside caste or religion. Society still tries to govern adult relationships. This controlling nature drives many crimes."Dr Mayura SabneRecent cases of suspected honour killing in MaharashtraAugust 26, 2025 (Nanded): Man allegedly kills daughter, her lover; dumps their bodies in a wellApril 26, 2025 (Jalgaon): A retired CRPF sub-inspector allegedly shoots and kills his daughter; son-in-law seriously injuredFebruary 8, 2025 (Pune): Man found dead with stab wounds; family alleges he was under pressure from in-laws to divorceJanuary 6, 2025 (Jalna): Minor pushed off cliff allegedly by her cousin; family disapproved of her relationshipJuly 14, 2024 (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar): Man killed in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar; wife blames her father, cousinThe way forwardThe Nanded case is a stark reminder of the legal and social vacuum that allows honour-based violence to thrive. While BNS provisions can prosecute murder, they do not capture the motive of perceived dishonour, nor the targeted nature of such killings.Beyond legal reform, the challenge is societal: confronting caste prejudice, gender control, and family-driven violence.As Sabne notes, digital documentation under the new BNS framework may improve evidence collection. But lasting change will require a deeper social shift — one that recognises the right of young people to choose whom they love, without fear of being punished for itAbout the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosExplained: Did Mexico Follow Trump’s Footsteps To Slap Tariff on India? Impact on Indian TradersKharge Hits Back As JP Nadda Slams Nehru, Congress Over Vande Mataram In Rajya SabhaSouth Asian Bloc Minus India? Why Pak’s Fresh Regional Pitch Fails On Economics, Politics, Geography‘Hands Were Trembling’: Rahul Gandhi Takes Sharp Dig At Amit Shah Over Ls AddressTrump’s Million Gold Card Explained: What America’s Costliest Visa Means For Indian ApplicantsUS Clears 6 Million F-16 Upgrade For Pakistan, Sparking Major Strategic Ripples Across South AsiaGoa Club Owners Saurabh & Gaurav Luthra Arrested in Phuket After Deadly Fire‘Damaging India, Hurting America’: Jayapal Flags Tariff Crisis Hitting Both NationsAmid Flight Meltdown, IndiGo Chairman Denies Claims of Rule Manipulation and Crisis EngineeringIndia-US Relations Face Hurdle As US Engages Pakistan Military, Says Dhruva Jaishankar123Photostories10 quick Korean phrases you can learn before you land in KoreaAre Khalid Al Ameri and Sunainaa Yella getting married? Inside the love story Instagram tried to soft-launch8 types of comforting Chaats to enjoy during winterPriyanka Chopra to Katrina Kaif: Decoding bridal jewellery of Bollywood actresses that belongs in your wedding vanityDhurandhar, Mission Majnu, Raazi; Gripping spy movies that expose and destroy deadly terror plots5 aggressive pet fish that aren’t for beginnersHow IGI Airport Is Using AI and Upgraded Runways to Beat Winter Fog9 heart-healthy foods with the highest amount of Omega 3 fatty acids8 everyday popular foreign brands Indians often assume are IndianBaby boy names inspired by Lord Vishnu123Hot PicksUS Pakistan DealTrump Gold CardSpiceJet FlightGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingSherrone MooreIsaiah RiderStephen CurryAdrian MorejonLebron JamesOlivia DunneTroy AikmanBengaluru CrimePaige Shiver Net WorthGabrielle Union")
Aanchal Mamimdwar seated before a photograph of Saksham Tate The visuals are surreal — and deeply unsettling. Men, some struggling to hold back tears, carry a body wrapped in white cloth into a dimly lit room. Moments later, a young woman steps forward, devastated. Through choking sobs, she performs rituals usually reserved for a wedding…
Yuvraj Singh at New Chandigarh Stadium (PTI Photo) At the New Chandigarh Stadium on Thursday, cricket legends Yuvraj Singh and Harmanpreet Kaur received the honour of having stands named after them.Yuvraj, who was named player of the tournament in the 2011 ODI World Cup, and Harmanpreet, who led India to their maiden Women’s World Cup…
Some of the key provisions of the new labour codes include minimum wages, gratuity payout for fixed term employees after a year of service. (AI image) New labour codes decoded: The government has introduced new labour codes that have wide-ranging implications for your salary structure, provident fund contributions, bonus payout, ESI benefits, gratuity payout and…
Ranveer Singh’s adrenaline-fueled adventure ‘Dhurandhar’ takes viewers on a thrilling journey filmed in a variety of striking locations. The film’s Pakistani setting was artfully recreated in the vibrant streets of Bangkok and the historic locales of Amritsar. Key action scenes unfolded in Mumbai’s bustling Filmistan Studios and the scenic Madh Island. Aditya Dhar’s action adventure…
It was a pleasant March morning when I suddenly woke up with a strong feeling of visiting the revered Mehandipur Balaji temple in Rajasthan. It is a revered temple where Lord Hanuman is prayed in his child form. I had never been to the temple before but heard several (unbelievable) stories about the temple’s power…
NEW DELHI: The United States on Thursday clarified that its consular officers will reject tourist visa applications if they determine that the primary purpose of travel is to give birth in the country in order to secure US citizenship for the child. Officials said such travel is not permitted and will result in a visa…
British journalist Mehdi Hasan criticised Elon Musk for his comments on Somali immigrants in the United States, saying the Tesla CEO is annoyed that African-born communities can vote while he himself, a South African immigrant who votes in Texas, shares little in common with them.Hasan made the comments after Musk weighed in on US politics,…
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United States President Donald Trump held a telephone conversation on Thursday and reviewed the progress of the India–US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the steady strengthening of bilateral cooperation across a broad range of areas.According to an official statement, the two leaders discussed ways…
BPSC TRE 4.0 recruitment likely soon The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) is preparing to launch the Teacher Recruitment Examination (TRE) 4.0, with more than 27,000 vacancies expected to be notified in the coming days. The development has gained momentum after recent communication from the state government and a public post by the Janata Dal…
Twinkle Khanna and hr superstar hubby Akshay Kumar have been one of Bollywood’s golden couples. The couple has been married for nearly 25 years, share two children together, and yet, Twinkle has been one of the few stars who has not taken on her husband’s surname. Now, opening up about her decision to keep her…
US President Donald Trump (AP) The TOI correspondent from Washinton: Amid strained ties with New Delhi, the Trump administration has notified Congress of a $686 million sustainment and modernisation package for Pakistan’s aging F-16 fighter jet fleet just weeks after Islamabad’s high-profile lobbying blitz secured warmer ties with the White House.The Defense Security Cooperation Agency…
Jourdin Pauline (via Getty Images) Singer and Twitch streamer Jourdin Pauline has alleged that she was sexually assaulted during a party connected to The Streamer Awards. Pauline, a rising entertainer from Guyana, is known online as the “Guyanese Pop Princess.” Her songs ROCKSTAR, PRICELESS, and SPIRAL have earned millions of views on YouTube. Pauline is…
NEW DELHI: The Prime Minister’s Office on Thursday announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each from the PM National Relief Fund for the families of those who died in the Arunachal Pradesh accident, and Rs 50,000 for the injured. “Distressed by the loss of lives due to a mishap in the Anjaw district of…
Paris Saint-Germain team bus (Photo by UEFA – Handout/UEFA via Getty Images) Paris Saint-Germain’s team bus was damaged by stones thrown outside their hotel in Bilbao following their Champions League match with Athletic. The incident occurred when the bus was empty, according to a source close to the club.Two cracks were found on the vehicle,…
NEW DELHI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday announced the opening of ticket sales for next year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, setting entry-level prices at “historic low” to increase access to the tournament.Ticket sales started at 6:45pm IST, with prices beginning at Rs 100 in India and LKR 1,000 in Sri Lanka, according…
The modern workplace has become a stage where employees are compelled to perform productivity long before they can truly deliver it. Screens stay active, calendars remain blocked, and status lights glow green as workers navigate a culture where visibility is often valued above output. Beneath this polished façade, however, a hidden pattern is taking root,…
Kris Jenner, the momager of the Kardashian sisters, opened up about why she continues to have ties with the ex-flames of her daughters, even if the breakups were complicated and scrutinized in public. The 70-year-old reality star does not believe in severing the relationships, as she thinks about moving forward from the issues and a…
For many Cancer women, today brings a soft reminder that ease is more powerful than force. If you’ve been trying too hard to make something happen, it’s time to step back. Let your day flow at a natural pace without controlling every outcome. Whether it’s at home, in your work, or within yourself, quiet effort…
