A horrifying “honour killing” case stunned Uttar Pradesh after a man opened fire at an eatery in Azamgarh on his own 16‑year‑old daughter and wounded her male companion. He killed the girl on the spot and seriously injured the youth.
The victims visited the eatery at lunch time. As they sat in a corner, her father entered, dragged them into an argument, and pulled out a licensed pistol. He fired multiple rounds: one bullet struck his daughter in the chest, another hit her partner in the shoulder. The girl died within minutes, and the youth collapsed, bleeding heavily.
Witnesses raised alarms and rushed the wounded youth to a nearby hospital. Doctors declared him in critical condition. Meanwhile, local police arrived quickly, found the gun, and secured the scene. They detained the father on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.
During his arrest, the man claimed he carried out the attack to “protect family honour.” He said he could not tolerate his daughter’s “relationship against family values.” Officials already booked him under sections of the Indian Penal Code that cover murder, attempt to murder, and related offences.
Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) and began detailed questioning. They are examining CCTV footage, eyewitness statements, and ballistic evidence. Meanwhile, district authorities ordered heightened security around women’s shelters and education institutions. Local women’s rights groups demanded swift justice and called for protection mechanisms for young couples under social pressure.
This tragic incident reignites debates over obsolete notions of so‑called honour, patriarchal control, and the culture of violence against women. Community leaders also urged people not to support vigilantism. They pressed state authorities to enact stricter safeguards for youth and to penalize “honour crimes” more severely.
