Young woman’s death in Chittoor raises honour killing suspicions

TIRUPATI: A young woman who had married against her family’s wishes was found dead under suspicious circumstances in Chittoor, with police probing the case from an honour killing angle.

The deceased, Sheikh Yasmin Bhanu, in her early 20s, a native of Chittoor, had married Sai Teja from Puthalapattu mandal in a love marriage just two months ago. The couple got married on February 9 in Nellore. On February 13, they sought protection from Tirupati Rural Police, who counselled Yasmin’s parents and sent her with Sai Teja, as both were legally adults.

According to police, Yasmin returned to her parental home on Saturday after being informed that her father was critically ill. However, as per a statement given by her mother, Shaukat Ali – Yasmin’s father – grew enraged upon seeing her and accused her of bringing shame to the family. He reportedly left the house shortly after the confrontation. Yasmin was found hanging in one of the rooms the next day.

While the family claimed it was a suicide, Sai Teja has alleged foul play. In a complaint lodged with the Chittoor Two Town Police, he accused Yasmin’s family members of murdering her and staging the scene to look like a suicide.

“Based on the complaint, we have registered a suspicious death case and begun a detailed investigation. Preliminary medical reports suggest death by hanging, but we are probing further to ascertain the trut”h, circle inspector Netti Kantayya told the Deccan Chronicle.

Police have noted inconsistencies in the family’s account — no signs of a suicide setup were found at the scene, and there was an unusual level of secrecy surrounding the transportation of Yasmin’s body to the hospital. Further raising suspicions, Shaukat Ali and the relatives who took Yasmin from her marital home are reportedly absconding. Her mother is currently in police custody.