On Sunday evening, a shocking case of honor killing shook Inam Veerapur village in Dharwad district, Karnataka. A 20-year-old pregnant woman was allegedly murdered by her own family members for marrying a Dalit youth against their wishes.
According to initial reports, the woman had married the man out of love, defying caste barriers—a decision that should have been celebrated in a progressive society. Instead, it became the reason for her brutal death.
This incident highlights the deep-rooted caste prejudices and patriarchal mindset that continue to plague parts of India. Despite constitutional guarantees of equality, inter-caste marriages often invite hostility, sometimes culminating in violence.
The victim was expecting a child, making this crime even more heart-wrenching. The couple’s union symbolized hope for breaking social barriers, but the response from her family underscores the urgent need for social reform, awareness, and strict enforcement of laws against honor killings.
Authorities have launched an investigation, and the accused family members are reportedly absconding. The case serves as a grim reminder that love should never cost a life.
Why This Matters
Honor killings are not isolated incidents—they are symptoms of a deeply entrenched social disease:
- Caste Prejudice: Despite constitutional guarantees of equality, caste hierarchies dictate social behavior in many rural and semi-urban areas.
- Patriarchal Control: Women’s autonomy over marriage and relationships is still seen as a threat to family reputation.
- Failure of Enforcement: Laws exist, but implementation is weak. Families often act with impunity, believing community norms override legal norms.
Legal Framework
Indian law unequivocally condemns honor killings:
- IPC Section 302: Murder is punishable by death or life imprisonment.
- Supreme Court Rulings: The apex court has declared honor killings “rarest of rare” crimes deserving the harshest punishment.
- Protection for Couples: The Special Marriage Act and various judgments uphold the right of consenting adults to marry freely.
Yet, enforcement remains patchy. Police often hesitate to intervene in “family matters,” and victims rarely receive timely protection.
Humanity has no value in Indian Caste system
This young woman was not just a statistic—she was a daughter, a wife, and an expectant mother. Her unborn child died with her. The couple’s dream of a life together ended in bloodshed. Every such incident chips away at India’s democratic promise of liberty and equality.