Rohtak Honour Killing: Brother Guns Down Sister Over Love Marriage, Fires 5 Bullets; Devar Injured While Trying to Save Her
Three-year-old grudge over inter-caste love marriage turns deadly; husband escapes as he was away from home
Rohtak (Haryana) | November 20, 2025
In yet another shocking case of honour killing, a 23-year-old woman named Sapna was shot dead by her own brother in Haryana’s Rohtak district late on Wednesday night. Enraged over her love marriage three years ago, the brother along with 4-5 accomplices pumped five bullets into her at point-blank range.
The brutal incident took place around 11 PM in Kahni village under Sadar Police Station jurisdiction when Sapna was at her in-laws’ house. Her husband Suraj, an auto-rickshaw driver, was not at home at the time of the attack, which probably saved his life.
Hearing the gunshots and screams, Sapna’s brother-in-law (devar) Sahil rushed to protect her but was also shot by the assailants. The bullet hit him in the lower back, leaving him critically injured. Family members immediately rushed Sahil to Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (PGIMS) Rohtak, where he is undergoing treatment and is stated to be out of danger.
Police sources said Sapna had married Suraj, a resident of the same village, out of her own choice three years ago. The marriage was opposed by her family, who considered it a blot on their “honour”. The brother had reportedly been nursing a grudge ever since and had threatened the couple on several occasions.
After the wedding, the couple had shifted to a rented accommodation outside the village to avoid confrontation, but Sapna had come to her in-laws’ house on Wednesday.
As soon as the accused learnt that Suraj was away, they saw an opportunity and stormed the house armed with illegal firearms. Sapna died on the spot, while the attackers managed to flee the scene.
A police team reached the spot soon after receiving information, and an FIR has been registered under sections of murder, attempt to murder, and the Arms Act at Sadar Police Station. Raids are being conducted to nab the main accused (Sapna’s brother) and his associates.
Senior police officials have confirmed that the primary motive appears to be opposition to the love marriage. Further investigation is underway.
Honour killings continue to plague Haryana despite strict laws and awareness campaigns, highlighting the deep-rooted caste and patriarchal mindset in parts of rural society.
