Junagadh couple hacked to death in honour killing

RAJKOT: In a case strongly suspected to be an honour killing, a young couple in their twenties was brutally hacked to death on Vanthli-Keshod highway in Junagadh district on Wednesday evening.
Victims Sanjay Ramsinh Ram and Dhara, both residents of Darsali village of Mangrol taluka, had got married four months ago against the wishes of their families who were bitterly opposed to their relationship as they belonged to different castes. According to police sources, the girl’s father had committed suicide after their marriage.
After marriage, the couple started living in Rajkot. On Tuesday, they had gone to Keshod town for renewal of Sanjay’s driving licence and had put up at a relative’s place.
On Wednesday evening, the couple along with Sanjay’s sister was returning to Junagadh on his bike when the assailant came from behind on another motorcycle and attacked the man with an axe. As three of them fell down from the bike, the assailant first dealt the brutal blows of the axe on Sanjay. He then turned his fury at Dhara and the couple died on the spot due to heavy blood loss.
However, Ram's sister was spared and she escaped only with minor bruises caused due to falling from the bike. However, before she could grasp at the enormity of the event unfolding, the attacker escaped on the bike. Police are now trying to get clues about the attacker from her. It is possible that there may have been one more person with the assailant.
Talking to TOI, superintendent of police, Junagadh, Saurabh Singh said, “We strongly suspect it to be a case of honour killing as the couple had an intercaste marriage, which led to bitter animosity brewing among the woman’s family members. We suspect them of having executed this killing. We have some clues and are following them.”