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Pratibha Gujjar Honour Killing Case

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Background and Relationship

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Devanish Meena and Pratibha Gujar, both from New Delhi, have known each other since the sixth grade at Bal Bharti School in Gandhi Nagar. Their relationship grew more serious by the 11th grade. Pratibha completed degrees in science and education and worked as a teacher while preparing for government job exams. Devanish pursued a degree in technology, focusing on a technical career path.[1]

Societal Implications

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Pratibha's story highlights the persistent issues of the caste system and honor killings in India. Despite Supreme Court guidelines aimed at preventing such crimes, the absence of specific legislation and inconsistent enforcement by authorities allow these practices to persist. Activists argue that without the introduction and strict enforcement of new laws, young people will continue to be vulnerable to violence from their families. This case underscores the urgent need for legal reforms and a shift in societal attitudes to protect those who defy traditional norms.[2]

Alleged Honor Killing

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In July 2015, five months after their secret wedding, Pratibha Gujar was found dead under suspicious circumstances. Devanish Meena alleges that Pratibha was killed by her family in an act of honor killing. According to Devanish and some of Pratibha's cousins, she was electrocuted in a water tank by her father, Vishan Singh Gurjar, with the involvement of other family members. They reportedly did not take her to a hospital, and no post-mortem examination was conducted, raising further suspicions about the cause of her death.[1]

Additional superintendent Laxman Das, the investigating officer, said: "The girl's father has been questioned but they say she got electrocuted by an air cooler. It could be murder too. No arrests have been made yet."[3]

The inspector-general of Bharatpur, Biju G. Joseph, told The Telegraph[1] he would speak at the end of chief minister Vasundhara Raje's visit to Sawai Madhopur.[1]

Investigation and Evidence

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Evidence has been submitted to the police, including letters and emails from Pratibha Gujar, indicating that her life was in danger and that she had been threatened by her father, Vishan Singh Gurjar. The pursuit of justice has encountered difficulties, as the police are requesting eyewitnesses to the crime. Activists and journalists highlighted these issues during a press conference in Rajasthan, emphasizing the lack of medical attention and the absence of a post-mortem examination for Pratibha. There are also allegations that the police have been bribed by Pratibha's family to ignore or downplay the case, complicating efforts to achieve justice.[4]

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Kavita Srivastava, secretary of the People's Union for Civil Liberties, along with other women's rights activists, has called for a thorough investigation into the case, condemning it as a denial of personal choice and an example of male societal control over women's honor.

Nisha Sidhu from the National Federation of Indian Women highlighted the need for specific legislation against honor killings in India. Although the Supreme Court of India has issued guidelines to address such crimes, these guidelines are not legally binding, and many police officers are unaware of them. Sidhu advocates for strict adherence to these guidelines until a new, comprehensive law is enacted.[5]

Ongoing Efforts for Justice

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The pursuit of justice for Pratibha Gujar continues, with ongoing efforts to ensure a thorough investigation and legal action against those responsible for her death. The commitment to this cause remains strong, despite facing significant obstacles.

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d Rakhee Roy Talukdar (2 October 2015). "'Honour killing' glare on parents". Devasheesh lodged a police complaint in Jaipur on August 19 alleging that Pratibha's father, a bank employee, had murdered her to "protect the family honour" because the childhood sweethearts had eloped and married in Delhi.
  2. ^ "Bharatpur: Husband produces 'letter' as evidence of honour killing". The Indian Express. 2015-08-04. Retrieved 2024-08-03.
  3. ^ "My wife was killed by her parents in the name of honour". 1 October 2015. Additional SP Bharatpur Laxman Das said that the case was under investigation. He said the girls parents did not inform police after her death which raises suspicion. However, no arrest has been made so far, he said
  4. ^ "My wife was killed by her parents in the name of honour". India Today. October 1, 2015. We have submitted hand written letter of Pratibha which clearly says that her parents were torturing her and may end her life. "Villagers are saying that Pratibha was electrocuted and later burned by parents," he claimed.
  5. ^ "Honour killing? Youth claims in-laws tortured, killed wife". The Times of India. 2015-10-02. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2024-08-03.