In a shocking incident in Tharad, Gujarat, a young woman named Chandrika was brutally murdered by her father and uncle. This tragic event has left the community in disbelief. Chandrika was in a loving relationship with a man named Hares, and they had made plans to marry. However, her family did not approve of their relationship.
Chandrika was preparing for a medical entrance exam in Palanpur. During this time, she and Hares began a romantic relationship. The couple decided to enter into a friendship contract, but this decision did not sit well with her father and uncle. They took drastic and cruel actions to end the relationship.
On June 4, 2025, Chandrika informed Hares through social media about her family’s opposition to their love. She expressed fears that her family would force her into an arranged marriage if they found out about her relationship. Following this, Chandrika eloped with Hares to Ahmedabad, where they formalized their friendship.
After visiting Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, Chandrika’s family reported her missing to the police. On June 12, the police found the couple and brought them back. Chandrika was returned to her family, while Hares faced legal issues.
Hares, concerned for Chandrika’s safety, discovered alarming messages from her on Instagram, revealing she felt her life was in danger. He filed a legal petition in the Gujarat High Court on June 23, seeking protection for her. The court ordered her to appear in court on June 27.
Tragically, before this court appearance, on the night of June 24, Chandrika’s father and uncle drugged her and strangled her to death in their home. They attempted to cover up the murder as a suicide by conducting her last rites immediately after.
This horrifying act has raised serious concerns about the issue of honor killings in India, where families sometimes resort to violence to uphold perceived family honour. Following the revelation of the murder, Chandrika’s lover Hares filed a complaint against her father and uncle at the Tharad police station.
The investigation is ongoing as the community grapples with the loss of a young life and the brutal realities of familial control over personal choices. This incident highlights the need for increased awareness and protection for individuals in similar situations. Authorities are urged to take stronger actions to prevent such tragic occurrences in the future.
