The police on Thursday arrested two people from Morena district for allegedly killing their female family member in the name of honour on May 13.
The 16-year-old girl, Seema, was stabbed to death by her father – Kalyan Singh -- and uncle -- Lakhan Singh -- at a shelter for women in the Hazira area of the city for running off with a 22-year-old man – Sonu.
In January, Seema eloped with Sonu but was recovered within a week by the police following a complaint lodged by her family members. Sonu was arrested and sent to jail on the complaint of the minor’s father on charges of engaging in a relationship with a minor.
The victim, however, refused to return to her village in Morena district and was sent to a government-run shelter -- Ashram Shanti Niketan-- following a court’s order.
The girl’s father and uncle conducted a recce of the area near the ashram while visiting the place on April 28 and May 13.
They met Seema for at least one hour and then met NGO director Girraj Tiwari alias Mastram Baba.
On both the occasions Kalyan and Lakhan were allowed entry inside the shelter home to meet Seema despite her request of seeing only her mother.
The accused then slit her throat near the ashram and tried to run away. The police said one of the attackers was injured when a cow, disturbed by the commotion, charged at them. However, the two managed to flee.
{{/usCountry}}The accused then slit her throat near the ashram and tried to run away. The police said one of the attackers was injured when a cow, disturbed by the commotion, charged at them. However, the two managed to flee.
{{/usCountry}}They were arrested in the wee hours on Thursday during a raid at their relative’s house. The police also recovered a country-made revolver, a live cartridge and a sharp-edged weapon used in the murder from their possession. Both the accused carried a cash reward of Rs 5,000 each.
The police said they will also investigate the role of the organisers of shelter house.
“Had Seema agreed to our advice, returned to the house and ended her relation with Sonu, we would not have committed this crime,” Kalyan told the police.