Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh, July 30, 2025: A heartbreaking case of suspected honour killing has shaken the quiet village of Paldi in Baghpat district, Uttar Pradesh. The body of 17-year-old Saniya, a young Muslim girl, was exhumed from a village graveyard on Saturday, July 26, 2025, after villagers raised concerns about suspicious marks on her body during her burial. The incident has sparked outrage and grief, shedding light on the dark reality of honour-based violence in the region.
Saniya, a resident of Paldi village, was allegedly killed by her own family members for her relationship with Sagar, a 19-year-old Dalit youth from the same village. According to reports, Saniya and Sagar had been in a relationship for over 18 months, a bond that was fiercely opposed by her family due to caste and religious differences. The couple reportedly eloped to Una, Himachal Pradesh, on July 15, where Sagar worked at a brick kiln. However, Saniya’s family tracked them down, brought them back to the village, and allegedly subjected Saniya to brutal violence.
On July 23, Saniya was reportedly strangled to death by her father, uncle, and cousins. To cover up the crime, her family buried her body in the village graveyard, claiming she had died of tuberculosis. But villagers noticed bruises and strangulation marks on her neck during the burial, prompting them to alert the authorities. Acting on a complaint from Sagar’s father, Rampal, the police, under the supervision of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) and Circle Officer (CO), exhumed Saniya’s body for a postmortem examination.
The second postmortem, conducted on Monday, July 28, 2025, by a panel of doctors and forensic experts, confirmed the grim truth: Saniya had been strangled, with her throat and mouth forcibly compressed. The report also noted 10 injury marks on her body, indicating severe physical assault before her death. The police have arrested six family members, including Saniya’s father and uncle, while a minor has been detained in connection with the case. The accused have reportedly confessed to the crime, citing their opposition to Saniya’s interfaith relationship as the motive.
This tragic incident has reignited discussions about honour killings in India, where societal pressures around caste and religion often lead to violent outcomes. Baghpat, in particular, has a troubling history of such cases, though local police note a decline in recent years. “No one has the right to take a life, no matter the circumstances,” said Arpit Vijayvargiya, Superintendent of Police, Baghpat, emphasizing the need for justice in Saniya’s case.
The village of Paldi remains tense, with increased police presence to maintain law and order. Sagar, who was also assaulted by Saniya’s family, is said to be in hiding, fearing for his safety. Meanwhile, Rampal, Sagar’s father, has publicly pleaded for justice, urging authorities to ensure the perpetrators are punished.
Saniya’s story is a painful reminder of the deep-rooted issues of caste and religious intolerance that continue to plague parts of India. As investigations continue, the community mourns the loss of a young life cut short by prejudice and violence. Authorities have promised a thorough probe, and the nation watches, hoping for justice for Saniya.
