Delhi 'honor-killing': 'Friendly' 18-year-old shoots dead brother-in-law, then targets sister
What's the story
Two months after the Ankit Saxena murder, another alleged 'honor killing' has been reported in Delhi. The 18-year-old brother of Rukaiya Khatoon maintained friendly relations with her and her husband, even when they had been banished by their family. But Sunday, he shot dead his brother-in-law after inviting them to a coaching-center in Meet Nagar. He tried to kill Rukaiya too, but was overpowered.
Marriage
Rukaiya had married man from another caste against family's wishes
19-year-old Rukaiya married 26-year-old Mohammad Atif in April 2017, she told police. But since they were from separate castes, her family didn't approve. She left her home, but her family allegedly kept threatening to kill them. "We never disclosed our home address due to fear." Her father Mohammad Rahisuddin agreed he had cut off contact. But Mohammad Akram, her brother, maintained relations.
Murder
Akram invited them, offered soft drinks, then shot at them
On Sunday noon, the couple visited the coaching center where Akram was pursuing a computer course, like they had in the past too. "Akram ordered soft drinks and snacks for us from outside," she said, but suddenly pulled out a pistol and started hurling abuses at them. He shot at Atif, then loaded his pistol to shoot Rukaiya, but his friend snatched the gun.
Action
Second 'honor killing' in the family, Rukaiya claims
Akram then tried to pin the blame for the murder on her, but when he realized there were witnesses, he fled. Rukaiya said this was the second 'honor killing' in her family; her cousin had been killed 18 years ago for marrying against their wishes. She also alleged her father's involvement, but he denied the allegations. Akram was arrested in Loni, Ghaziabad, on Monday.