Son allegedly murders mother and four sisters in suspected honour killing in india
A chilling case of alleged honour killings has sent shockwaves through India, as a 24-year-old man reportedly murdered his mother and four sisters in Lucknow on New Year’s Eve. Arshad, the accused, has been arrested, while his father, Badar, is still at large. The family had been staying at Hotel Sharan Jeet to celebrate the New Year when the gruesome crime occurred.
Twisted justification and confession
In a video circulating on social media, Arshad confessed to the murders, claiming he killed his family to “protect” them. According to his statement, he believed their neighbours in Agra were planning to seize the family’s property and sell his sisters in Hyderabad. He described himself as acting to prevent this alleged threat.
Arshad’s confession revealed horrifying details. He claimed to have laced his family’s food and drinks before attacking them. His mother was reportedly strangled with a scarf and gagged, and similar methods were used on his sisters, whose wrists were later slit. The victims were identified as Alia (9), Alshia (19), Aksa (16), Rahmeen (18), and their mother, Asma.
Father’s involvement suspected
Local reports suggest that Arshad’s father, Badar, was complicit in the murders. While Badar remains on the run, authorities are pursuing him for questioning. Arshad claimed that ongoing harassment and relentless pressure from their community in Agra drove him to commit the heinous act, with Badar’s assistance.
Investigation underway
Deputy Commissioner of Police Raveena Tyagi confirmed the discovery of the bodies in the hotel room and the detention of Arshad. She stated, “In the preliminary interrogation itself, he admitted to killing his four sisters and mother due to a family dispute. Further interrogation is ongoing.”
Joint Commissioner of Police Babloo Kumar elaborated on the ongoing investigation. “The bodies of five people have been found—four girls and their mother. The hotel staff reported that the family checked in on December 30, accompanied by Arshad and Badar,” he said. Kumar added that forensic teams were combing the scene for evidence, and nearby hotel staff were being questioned.
Early findings indicate that some of the victims bore visible injuries, such as cuts on wrists and marks on the neck. A post-mortem examination is being conducted to ascertain the exact cause of death.
Community and legal response
The case has drawn widespread attention and condemnation, sparking debates about honour killings and systemic issues that perpetuate such crimes. Honour killings, often driven by perceptions of family honour tied to social and cultural norms, remain a serious issue in some parts of India.
Authorities have pledged a thorough investigation to uncover the motive and any accomplices involved. “This is a deeply disturbing case, and we are committed to ensuring justice for the victims,” police officials stated.
A family torn apart
Pictures of the family, purportedly taken before the tragedy, have circulated in Indian media, portraying a seemingly ordinary household now devastated by violence. Arshad’s twisted justification for the murders has only added to the horror of the crime, leaving the local community and the nation grappling with its implications.
As forensic experts and police continue their investigation, the focus remains on capturing Badar and piecing together the full story behind this horrific act. Authorities have assured the public that findings will be shared promptly, as the case continues to unfold.
This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for societal change and stricter measures to address and prevent crimes driven by misguided notions of honour and familial control.