Maharashtra honour killing: 20-year-old man murdered; girlfriend declares herself his wife at funeral

The victim, Saksham Tate, was allegedly assaulted, shot, and his head crushed with a stone by the family of his girlfriend, police said.

According to investigators, Tate had been in a relationship with Aanchal for nearly three years. The two met through her brothers and grew close during her frequent visits to his home.

However, her family reportedly opposed the relationship because the couple belonged to different castes. Despite threats, the two continued seeing each other and had recently decided to marry.

When Aanchal’s brothers and father learned of their plans, the men allegedly attacked and killed Tate on Thursday.

At Tate’s funeral, a grieving and defiant Aanchal arrived at his home, performed traditional rituals, and declared herself his wife.

She applied turmeric to his body, put vermillion on her forehead, and vowed to live in his house as his daughter-in-law.

“Our love won, even in Saksham’s death. My father and brothers lost,” she said, demanding the death penalty for the accused.

She added that she considers herself married to Tate because “even though he is dead, our love is still alive.”

Police have registered a case under multiple sections, including murder, and arrested six people. Further investigation is underway.