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Pratibha Gujjar Honour Killing Case

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Background and Relationship

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Devanish Meena and Pratibha Gujar, both from New Delhi, India, shared an extraordinary academic journey and a profound, enduring love. Pratibha, who earned her Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) from G.D. College and a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) from Dev International College, was deeply committed to her studies and future. Alongside her academic pursuits, she worked as a teacher and was diligently preparing for government job examinations. Devanish, meanwhile, pursued a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.), reflecting his focus on a technical career path. Their love story began in the sixth grade at Bal Bharti School, Scheme No. 8, Gandhi Nagar, and grew into a serious relationship by the time they reached the 11th grade. [1]

Societal Implications

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Pratibha's tragic story serves as a stark reminder of the harsh consequences that the caste system and honor killings still impose in India. Despite Supreme Court guidelines aimed at preventing such crimes, the absence of targeted legislation and the inconsistent enforcement by authorities allow these brutal practices to persist. Activists argue that until new, stringent laws are implemented and strictly upheld, young men and women will continue to face violence from their own families. This case highlights the pressing need for both legal reform and a transformation in societal attitudes to safeguard those who defy traditional norms.[2]

Alleged Honor Killing

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Five months after their secret wedding, in July 2015, Pratibha Gujar was found dead under highly suspicious circumstances. Devanish Meena claims that Pratibha was murdered by her own family in an act of honor killing, a horrific practice where families take the lives of their own members to maintain perceived social and familial honor. According to Devanish and some of Pratibha's cousins, she was electrocuted in a water tank by her father, Vishan Singh Gurjar, along with other family members[3]. They allegedly did not take her to a hospital, and no post-mortem examination was conducted, further intensifying suspicions surrounding the true cause of her death.

Additional superintendent Laxman Das, the investigating officer, said: "The girl's father has been questioned but they say she got electrocuted by an air cooler. It could be murder too. No arrests have been made yet."[4]

The inspector-general of Bharatpur, Biju G. Joseph, told The Telegraph he would speak at the end of chief minister Vasundhara Raje's visit to Sawai Madhopur.[5]

Investigation and Evidence

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Devanish Meena has provided the police with evidence, including letters and emails from Pratibha, indicating that her life was in danger and that her father had been threatening her. However, challenges have arisen in seeking justice, as the police are requesting eyewitnesses to the crime. Activists and journalists gathered at a press conference in Rajasthan, where Devanish shared his account, pointing out the lack of medical attention and the absence of a post-mortem examination for Pratibha. Furthermore, he alleges that the police have been bribed by Pratibha's family to ignore or downplay the case, complicating the pursuit of justice.[6]

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Kavita Srivastava, secretary of the People's Union for Civil Liberties, and other women's rights activists have rallied in support of Devanish Meena, calling for a thorough investigation. Srivastava condemned the incident as a denial of the right to choice and an example of the societal control over women's honor by men.

Nisha Sidhu of the National Federation of Indian Women emphasized the need for specific legislation against honor killings in India. The Supreme Court of India has established guidelines to prevent such crimes, but these are not legally binding, and many police officers are unaware of them. Sidhu advocates for strict adherence to these guidelines until a new law is enacted.[7]

Ongoing Efforts for Justice

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The quest for justice for Pratibha Gujar continues with ongoing efforts to ensure a comprehensive investigation and legal action against those responsible for her death. The commitment to this cause is unwavering, as the pursuit of justice remains steadfast despite significant obstacles.

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  1. ^ Pratibha Gujjar Honour killing. https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/honour-killing-glare-on-parents/cid/1509127. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  2. ^ "Bharatpur: Husband produces 'letter' as evidence of honour killing". The Indian Express. 2015-08-04. Retrieved 2024-08-03.
  3. ^ ""Devasheesh lodged a police complaint in Jaipur on August 19 alleging that Pratibha's father, a bank employee, had murdered her to "protect the family honour" because the childhood sweethearts had eloped and married in Delhi."".
  4. ^ ""Additional SP Bharatpur Laxman Das said that the case was under investigation. He said the girls parents did not inform police after her death which raises suspicion. However, no arrest has been made so far, he said"". October 2015.
  5. ^ https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/honour-killing-glare-on-parents/cid/1509127. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  6. ^ ""We have submitted hand written letter of Pratibha which clearly says that her parents were torturing her and may end her life. "Villagers are saying that Pratibha was electrocuted and later burned by parents," he claimed. "".
  7. ^ "Honour killing? Youth claims in-laws tortured, killed wife". The Times of India. 2015-10-02. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2024-08-03.