In a horrifying incident in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, a 55-year-old man brutally murdered his 20-year-old daughter and burned her body after becoming enraged over her love affair. The shocking crime has once again shed light on the brutal realities of honor killings in India.

The Disturbing Incident

The accused, T Ramanjaneyulu, a resident of Guntakal town, reportedly took his daughter, T Bharati, to a secluded area in Kasapuram village on March 1. Overcome with rage and frustration over her relationship, he allegedly hanged her from a tree at around 1 PM.

To hide what he did, he drizzled petrol all over her and set her on fire, making sure she was completely burned up. The police found out the horrific details after they started looking into the case.
 

Five-Year Love Affair That Led to Tragedy

Bharati had been in a relationship with her boyfriend for the past five years. Despite their strong emotional bond, both families were against their union. Bharati was a second-year graduate student in Kurnool, while her boyfriend was studying in Hyderabad. The couple was deeply committed to each other, but the family’s opposition turned into a deadly conflict.

According to police reports, Bharati had defied her parents’ wishes, leading to multiple arguments within the family. She had even threatened to take her own life if forced to part ways with her boyfriend. Her strong stand against her father’s authority is believed to have triggered his violent reaction.

The Father’s Motive Behind the Crime

Like many other cases of honor killings in India, this tragedy is rooted in outdated beliefs about family reputation and societal expectations. Bharati’s father, who came from a conservative background, saw her actions as a stain on the family’s honor.

Sources close to the family reveal that Bharati was the only one among her siblings to receive formal education. Her three elder sisters were uneducated, and her parents had high hopes for her future. However, her decision to pursue a love marriage went against their traditional values, leading to extreme consequences.

Police Investigation and Arrest

After committing the heinous act, Ramanjaneyulu surrendered to the police.

The authorities have charged him with various sections under the Indian Penal Code, including murder and tampering with evidence. They’re investigating the case, and we can expect more legal moves to happen soon.

Local law enforcement officials have condemned the crime, stating that such acts of violence in the name of honor cannot be tolerated. The incident has sparked outrage in the region, with activists calling for stricter laws against honor killings.

The Rise of Honor Killings in Andhra Pradesh

Honor killings remain a serious issue in India, particularly in states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Andhra Pradesh. Many families resort to extreme measures when their children choose partners outside of their caste, religion, or family expectations.

Recent Cases of Honor Killings in Andhra Pradesh

In December 2024, a 17-year-old girl was set on fire in Nandikotkur town by a man after rejecting his advances. The victim succumbed to her injuries.

In March 2024, a man in Anakapalle district set his wife and daughter on fire over a domestic dispute, leaving both critically injured.

In 2023, a young couple in Guntur was brutally murdered by the girl’s family after they eloped and got married.

These cases highlight the deep-seated patriarchal mindset that fuels honor-based crimes in the region.

Legal Framework Against Honor Killings in India

While India has stringent laws against murder, honor killings often go unreported or unpunished due to societal pressures and lack of evidence.

Some key legal provisions include:

Section 302 IPC – Punishment for murder.

Section 307 IPC – Attempt to murder.

Section 120B IPC – Criminal conspiracy.

The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 – Protects young individuals from forced marriages.