Do you ever wonder why, despite all your hard work, you don’t seem to get good results in life? Interestingly, the answer to this is also in your zodiac sign and birth chart. It is believed that they can decode your wealth and success in life. This is because zodiac signs are associated with personality…
A novel experimental vaccine against the nipah virus has succeeded in its first major test in humans; it has been shown to be tolerated well by the immune system and to stimulate an immune response in healthy adults. Though this is the earliest stages of testing, there’s tentative hope that more robust shielding will be…
Tejal, daughter of Sanjeev and Supriya Kulkarni, channelled regal sophistication in a handwoven bandhani-based Sabyasachi lehenga, delicately embroidered with mirrors, pearls, and traditional marodi work. The silhouette was a nod to India’s artisanal legacy, yet it carried a modern sensibility—perfectly in sync with the grandeur of the Birla heritage home. Her look, complemented by diamond…
International student enrolment falls across Maryland public universities Maryland’s public universities have reported a notable decline in international student enrolment over the past year, amid growing visa uncertainty and immigration policy concerns in the United States. According to a report by WTOP News, at least 449 international students were lost across the state’s public university…
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This New Year eve, hotels are pulling out a range of attractions — morning yoga, DIY cocktail stalls, recovery brunches and much more, to lure in guests. However, these celebrations come with a hefty price tag, pushing room tariffs higher for the year ending period. Hotel operators told ET that New Year rates for 2026…
‘Chand Mera Dil’, starring Lakshya Lalwani and Ananya Panday, has received mixed reactions from the audience upon its release. The film opened to a decent box office collection of Rs 3 crore. However, there was no pre-release buzz around the film, and hence, the debut-day collection can be considered a good amount. Further, the romantic…
Ranveer Singh may be enjoying the success of his latest film ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’, but the controversy around his mimicry of Rishab Shetty has taken a fresh legal turn. As a case was filed against him, the actor informed the Karnataka High Court that he is ready to submit an apology affidavit over the incident…
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Each sign of the zodiac has its own set of traits that help to define their personalities and set them apart from each other. Wouldn’t it be nice to know what the universe has planned for you at the beginning of the day? Keep reading to find out if today will be lucky for you.ARIES…
Source: Hyundai Official Brochure Hyundai has launched the 2026 Verna in India with updates to both the exterior and interior. The car features a dual LED projector headlamp setup and a black chrome radiator grille at the front. At the rear, the bumper design has been modified, and an aerodynamic spoiler is present. Alloy wheels…
US President Donald Trump bids farewell to long-serving Air Force One aircraft. PTI US President Donald Trump’s return from France marked the final journey of a Boeing 747-200B that has served US presidents for 35 years aboard Air Force One, according to senior White House officials.The aircraft landed at Joint Base Andrews in the early…
India’s engineering goods exports fell a steep 16.71 per cent year-on-year in October 2025 to $9.37 billion, primarily due to a sharp drop in shipments to the US and a high base effect, the Engineering Export Promotion Council of India (EEPC) said on Saturday.Exports to key markets recorded widespread declines, with the Asean region seeing…
![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…
Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reportedly moved into a fortified underground shelter in Tehran amid assessments by senior military and security officials of a heightened risk of a potential US attack, according to two sources cited by Iran International.The report described the location as a heavily fortified complex with interconnected tunnels designed for…
Ahmedabad: India’s Sanju Samson plays (PTI Photo/Shashank Parade) NEW DELHI: With just 50 days to go for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, Team India’s numbers no longer scream dominance, even if recent results offer some comfort.As defending champions, India began their post 2024 title run in ruthless fashion, winning…
Katrina Kaif and Ranbir Kapoor’s relationship was once among Bollywood’s most-discussed romances, but their Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani co-star Vishwanath Chatterjee has now revealed that he never witnessed any signs of a budding romance between the two while filming the movie. Instead, he recalled being impressed by Katrina’s discipline, fitness, and commitment to her…
When Anne Hathaway talked about embracing all body types and how important it is to embrace changes Anne Hathaway’s announcement about baby no. 3 on the way has taken the world by storm. While the star is already a mom to two sons with her longtime partner, Adam Shulman, this news was celebrated by fans…
Marco Rubio (File phto/AP) NEW DELHI: The United States on Monday extended congratulations to India on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day, highlighting the “close cooperation” between New Delhi and Washington across key sectors.Rubio said the US looks forward to “working together to advance our shared objectives in the year ahead” and mentioned the…
Marvel Rivals streamer Kingsman265 has seen a massive rise in popularity on Twitch after being removed from a $40,000 creator tournament. The incident happened on January 18 during practice sessions for the event, when Kingsman asked a teammate to swap heroes to improve the team’s overall composition. What started as a normal competitive suggestion quickly…
