In Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, a 20-year-old woman was shot dead by her father just days before her family-arranged her wedding. Now deceased, 20-year-old Tanu Gurjar, was reportedly killed in the presence of police officers and local panchayat members after a dispute over her wish to marry her boyfriend.
Tanu had been in a six-year relationship with Bhikam “Vicky” Mawai, a resident of Agra, Uttar Pradesh. Her family initially approved of the match but later arranged her marriage to an Indian Air Force officer, hoping to break her bond with Mawai, who was unemployed.
The incident unfolded on Tuesday evening, just hours after Tanu posted a video on social media accusing her family of abuse and coercion.
‘If I Die, My Family Is Responsible’
In the 52-second video, Tanu alleged that her family was forcing her into a marriage she did not want. “I love a man and want to marry him. My family initially agreed but later refused. They beat me daily and threaten to kill me. If anything happens to me, my family is responsible,” she said.
Her candid statement escalated tensions at home, prompting police intervention. Officers led by Superintendent Dharmveer Singh arrived at Tanu’s house to ensure her safety. A community panchayat was also convened to mediate the dispute.
Tanu requested to be moved to a government-run One-Stop Centre for women, expressing fear for her life. However, her father, Mahesh Gurjar, 45, a local hotel owner, insisted on speaking to her in private, claiming he could convince her to follow the family’s wishes.
A police officer at the scene, as reported by The Indian Express, stated that the team, which included two women officers, decided to wait outside while Mahesh went in to speak privately with his daughter. Tragically, the conversation escalated into violence. In a fit of rage, Mahesh, armed with a country-made pistol, shot Tanu in the chest. At the same time, her cousin Rahul fired multiple rounds, hitting her forehead, neck, and the area near her eye. Tanu collapsed instantly and succumbed to her injuries on the spot.
When officers rushed inside, they found Tanu’s lifeless body on the floor, while Mahesh stood distraught with a gun pointed at Tanu. “It was so unexpected. He was a composed man, but that night he became uncontrollable,” said a police officer at the scene.
Rahul had allegedly convinced Mahesh that allowing Tanu’s love marriage would tarnish their reputation and encourage other women in the family to follow suit.
“Rahul kept saying their stature was at stake and that Tanu’s defiance would set a bad example,” Additional Superintendent of Police Krishna Lal Chandani said.
Mahesh was arrested on Wednesday morning, according to News18.. During questioning, he justified the murder, saying his daughter’s decision would have brought shame to their family.
