The so-called love affair between a young Muslim girl and a Harijan boy has entered into a suicide pact because they knew that their families and society will not accept their relationship.
Imrana Bano (18) and Rajneesh Kumar (21) made a suicide deal because their love would make their Muzaffarnagar, a communally-sensitive town burn again. The 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots left 59 dead and over 50,000 without a roof over their head.
The couple had been missing since Saturday and their bodies were found hanging from two ends of a dupatta flung across the branch of a tree, united in death by the same dupatta, in Bhaura-Khurd village on Monday.
Vermillion (sindoor) and some other cosmetics were recovered from the suicide spot. Sindoor was also found on the forehead of the girl. A sachet of poison was also recovered.
“They committed suicide because the two families were not ready to accept their marriage,” said Mohammad Idris, Imrana’s uncle.
According to police, the couple had been in love for about four years now. Inspector Singh, Circle Officer of Phugana, said: “They were in love with each other. It appears that they entered into a suicide pact because society was not willing to accept their relationship.”
Imrana’s family had come to know about the affair five years ago and had sent her to a relative’s house. She was engaged on Friday and was to be married to a man of her community today.
“None of the families has levelled any allegations. So it is case of suicide,” police added. The bodies have been sent for autopsy.
“Had absolutely no idea about this. Don’t know if there was any foul play, the cops should find out,” said the young man’s father.
“To us it is a case of suicide. The police are investigating,” said the woman’s mother.
Huge police force was deployed in the area as there was palpable tension in the air. Preventative measures were taken to prevent any attempt to add fuel to communal fire.