21-Year-Old Woman Killed By Father Over Hairstyle In Gwalior
A woman was beaten and strangled to death by her father and uncle, police say honour killing suspected.

A 21-year-old woman, identified as Anu alias Nandani Yadav, was allegedly beaten and strangled to death by her father, Bhagwan Singh Yadav, and uncle, Santosh Singh Yadav, in Patriya Pura village in the Dabra area of Gwalior district, Madhya Pradesh. The incident occurred on Monday.
According to police, Nandani had returned home for Raksha Bandhan after working at a mall in Vijayapura, Karnataka. A preliminary investigation suggested that her family objected to her working away from home and keeping her hair in a short, 'boy-cut' style.
The police report states that Bhagwan Singh and Santosh arrived at the house on Monday afternoon and allegedly assaulted Nandani's 17-year-old sister. The minor was reportedly dragged, beaten, and subjected to an attempted strangulation before her mother intervened. She allegedly remained unconscious for around 30 to 40 minutes.
At the time, Nandani was reportedly at another house with Manmohan Pandey, a man whom she regarded as her brother. The two men allegedly assaulted Manmohan before attacking Nandani. Police said she was beaten with a stick and her head was allegedly smashed against a wall. She was subsequently strangled with a scarf, leading to her death.
Nandani's mother was also allegedly assaulted and locked inside a room during the incident. After the killing, both men allegedly fled the spot. Pichhore police reached the village after being informed and sent Nandani's body for post-mortem examination.
Sub-Divisional Officer of Police (SDOP) Saurabh Kumar said the incident was being investigated as a case of honour killing. Police have arrested Bhagwan Singh, while efforts are underway to trace Santosh. Further investigation is underway to establish the complete sequence of events and the motive behind the killing.
The incident highlights the issue of honour killings in India, where families sometimes take violent action against their own members for perceived breaches of traditional norms or values. In this case, Nandani's decision to work away from home and her choice of hairstyle appear to have been the triggers for the violent attack.
The police are working to determine the full circumstances surrounding Nandani's death and to bring those responsible to justice. The incident has sparked outrage and concern in the community, with many calling for greater protection for women and girls from violence and abuse.
In recent years, there have been several high-profile cases of honour killings in India, highlighting the need for greater awareness and action to prevent such crimes. The Indian government has taken steps to address the issue, including the introduction of stricter laws and penalties for those found guilty of honour killings.
However, more needs to be done to change the social attitudes and cultural norms that underlie these crimes. This includes promoting greater education and awareness about women's rights and the importance of respecting individual choices and autonomy.
The incident is a tragic reminder of the dangers faced by women and girls in India who dare to challenge traditional norms or values. It is essential that the authorities take strong action to prevent such crimes and to protect those who are vulnerable to violence and abuse.
The investigation into Nandani's death is ongoing, and it is hoped that justice will be served for her and her family. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for greater vigilance and action to prevent honour killings and other forms of violence against women and girls in India.
The community is in shock and mourning following the incident, and many are calling for greater support and protection for women and girls who are at risk of violence and abuse. The incident highlights the need for greater awareness and action to prevent honour killings and other forms of violence against women and girls in India.
In conclusion, the killing of Nandani Yadav is a tragic and disturbing incident that highlights the issue of honour killings in India. The police are working to determine the full circumstances surrounding her death and to bring those responsible to justice. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for greater awareness and action to prevent honour killings and other forms of violence against women and girls in India.
Frequently asked questions
What was the reason for the killing of the 21-year-old woman?
The killing is suspected to be an honour killing, with the family objecting to the woman's hairstyle and decision to work away from home.
Who has been arrested in connection with the killing?
The woman's father, Bhagwan Singh Yadav, has been arrested, while efforts are underway to trace her uncle, Santosh Singh Yadav.