Honour killing case sent to CBI

CHANDIGARH: Punjab and Haryana high court handed over the alleged honour killing case of a 23-year-old youth from Jind to CBI on Saturday, allowing a plea filed by his mother. Murti Devi, 45, of Brar Khera village in Jind district had alleged in her petition that her son Navin was killed by his lover Seema’s father Dharambir Singh because he was against their relationship. The high court asked CBI to probe the case after finding “serious loopholes and contradictions in the investigation” done by Jind police and state crime bureau.

Haryana police had claimed before HC that it had conducted polygraph test of Dharambir Singh, which confirmed he did not know the accused. At the same time, the police had mentioned in the report that it was Dharambir, who had taken Navin to hospital and informed his family members. “Concerning gravity of the matter and nature of investigation by local police, I find that the matter will have to be entrusted to CBI in the interest of justice,” observed Justice M Jeyapaul. Justice Jeyapaul has directed CBI director to complete investigation within three months. The HC also found three injuries after examining autopsy report and had expressed surprise over the doctor’s report, which failed to justify the injuries.

Orders were passed after Murti Devi had approached the court alleging that Dharambir, along with other members of his family, had allegedly killed her son. HC was surprised over the fact that Haryana police had never called Murti Devi or any member of her family for investigation. The petitioner informed the HC that Navin and 21-year-old Seema were in love for 15 months and the affair was accepted by Navin’s family. He further stated that even Seema’s father had visited Navin’s parents in his village to inquire about the family’s status. On June 27, 2012, Navin was called by Dharambir in Jind and on the same night, Navin’s mother was informed that her son was admitted in a critical condition in a hospital in Jind. He was later shifted to PGI Rohtak, where he died. The doctors had found three injuries but opined that he died after consuming some poisonous substance. Police had termed it as a suicide but after pressure from six village panchayats, an FIR was lodged against Dharambir.

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