20-year-old woman killed by family in honour killing

 

By Sumesh Rajan | July 23, 2026

Faridkot, Punjab, INDIA: A 20-year-old woman was allegedly murdered by members of her own family in Punjab's Faridkot district in what police suspect is a case of honour killing after she married a man from her village against her family's wishes.

The deceased has been identified as Mahakpreet Kaur. Her body was found in a field near the Amritsar-Bathinda National Highway in Kotkapura on Tuesday July 21. Following the discovery, personnel from the Kotkapura City Police reached the spot, secured the crime scene, and sent the body to Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital in Faridkot for a post-mortem examination.

According to the preliminary investigation, Mahakpreet had married Jagdeep Singh on May 4 this year. The couple, both residents of the same village, had entered into a love marriage despite strong opposition from her family. Since their marriage around two-and-a-half months ago, they had been living in Bhagta Bhai Ka village in the neighbouring Bathinda district.

Police said the incident occurred on Monday July 20 evening when the couple was travelling on a motorcycle towards Kotkapura. As they approached the Amritsar-Bathinda National Highway, they were allegedly intercepted by Mahakpreet's family members.

According to investigators, Jagdeep Singh managed to escape from the spot, but Mahakpreet was allegedly overpowered by her relatives. Police suspect she was attacked with a sharp-edged weapon, causing fatal injuries. The accused allegedly dumped her body in a nearby field before fleeing the scene.

Following the incident, Kotkapura Deputy Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Kumar, along with senior police officials, visited the crime scene. A forensic team was also deployed to collect physical evidence and assist in the investigation.

Preliminary findings suggest that Mahakpreet's family was unhappy with her decision to marry against their wishes, and investigators believe this was the motive behind the alleged killing.

Police have initiated the process of registering a criminal case and have formed multiple teams to conduct raids to trace and arrest the accused. Officials said the post-mortem examination will determine the exact cause of death, while forensic analysis and witness statements will form part of the ongoing investigation.

Police said further legal action will be taken as the investigation progresses and those responsible are brought to justice.