Khap panchayat orders to kill lovers

Police are deployed in Bajehda village in Ghaziabad after a khap panchayat allegedly ordered to kill a couple, who want to marry in the same cast against the local practices. See special

Police are deployed in Bajehda village here after a khap panchayat allegedly ordered to kill a couple, who want to marry in the same cast against the local practices.

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The couple, said to be Rekha and Sudhir, have fled the village following the community panchayat's diktat. However, no complaint was lodged with police about their disappearance.

SSP Raghubir Lal said security would be given to the lovers if they seek protection from police. He has warned the khap panchayat under Massoori police station area, against the order.

The couple belong to the same caste and gotra and their affair is opposed on grounds of customs in the area. Police in plain clothes are deployed in the village.