Honour killing: Man beaten to death by wife’s family

 

By Barnabas Karunagari | August 25, 2025 

Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, INDIA: In a tragic case of suspected honour killing, a 26-year-old man was allegedly beaten to death by his wife’s family members in Harsi village under the Belgarha police station limits of Gwalior district. The victim, identified as Omprakash Batham, succumbed to his injuries at Jayarogya Hospital on August 24, six days after the brutal assault.

According to police, Omprakash had married Shivani Jha, a woman from the same village, about a year ago. Their marriage was strongly opposed by Shivani’s family, forcing the couple to move to Dabra, where they had been living separately. On August 19, the couple returned to Harsi to visit their native village.

Their homecoming, however, turned fatal. As per the complaint filed by Shivani, her father Dwarika Prasad Jha, brother Raju Jha, relative Uma Ojha, neighbour Sandeep Sharma, and others confronted the couple. The accused allegedly attacked Omprakash with sticks in the presence of villagers, leaving him grievously injured.

Omprakash’s family rushed him to Jayarogya Hospital, Gwalior, where doctors battled for nearly a week to save his life. Despite treatment, his condition worsened, and he died on August 24.

Initially, police had registered a case of assault against four people based on Shivani’s statement. Following Omprakash’s death, the charges were enhanced to murder under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code.

Speaking to reporters, Ajay Singh, Station House Officer (SHO) of Belgarha police station, confirmed that the attack was carried out using sticks. “The victim’s wife has demanded strict action. We have identified the accused and intensified our search to arrest them,” he said.

Police have launched a manhunt for the four named accused — Dwarika Prasad Jha, Raju Jha, Uma Ojha, and Sandeep Sharma — who are currently absconding.