Bhind Honor Killing: Father Shoots Daughter Over Elopement Just 17 Days After Marriage

Bhind, Madhya Pradesh: In a shocking case of honor killing, 21-year-old Nidhi Dhanuk was shot dead by her father, Munnesh Dhanuk, after she eloped with her lover just 17 days after her marriage. The incident occurred in Khiriya Thapak village, Bhind, where the father later confessed to the police, saying, “I have killed my daughter.”

Forced Marriage Despite Her Wishes
According to reports, Nidhi wanted to marry her boyfriend, but her family refused. Against her wishes, her father and relatives arranged her marriage with Dev Dhanuk, a resident of Gudagudi Naka, Gwalior. Nidhi moved to her marital home after the wedding.

Elopement with Her Lover
Nidhi stayed with her husband until 28 December. On that day, while on a shopping trip in Gwalior, she sent her husband to fetch water and went missing with her lover. Her in-laws later filed a missing person report at Huzrat Kotwali Police Station, Gwalior.

Returning to Assert Her Independence
A few days later, Nidhi herself approached the police station, asserting, “I left of my own will. I am an adult and have the right to make my own decisions.” She returned to her parental home but was persuaded to go back to her marital home. She again refused to stay, leaving both her husband’s and parental families worried.

Tragic End
Two days prior to the killing, Nidhi disappeared from her marital home once more. On Tuesday, she met her father outside the village. Despite repeated attempts to convince her, she refused to return. In a fit of rage, her father shot her with a country-made gun and left her body in a field.

Relationship with a Relative
Investigations revealed that Nidhi was in a romantic relationship with a local youth, reportedly a relative (uncle) in the village. This was allegedly a major reason for her family’s refusal to accept her choice of partner.

Father Confesses
After the killing, Munnesh Dhanuk went to the police station carrying the weapon and admitted, “I have killed my daughter.” Nidhi’s mother, Pooja, filed a complaint against her husband, stating that he killed their daughter over honor and shame, and even threatened her life.

Context
The Gwalior-Chambal region of Madhya Pradesh continues to witness repeated cases of honor killings, with young women often falling victim to such brutal acts. The police have conducted a post-mortem and handed over Nidhi’s body to her family.