Girl found dead, cops suspect honour killing

PANCHKULA: A minor girl was found dead in her house under mysterious circumstances in Saketri village of Panchkula on Sunday morning. While the family alleged she had committed suicide by consuming a poisonous substance after she was stalked and harassed by 40-year-old Gajender, who lives in a rented accommodation near the victim’s house, the police were probing all angles.

The police have registered a case of abetment to suicide of a minor under Section 305 of the IPC and various sections of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012. According to a senior cop investigating the case, it appeared the girl had a relationship with Gajender and they were probing the possibility of murder and even honour killing.

The victim was found lying unconscious in her room by her brother after which she was taken to Government Multi-specialty Hospital, Sector 16, Chandigarh, where she was declared dead.

The police was informed by the hospital staff at 7 in the morning after which the team started their investigations. The girl’s relatives gave a written complaint alleging she took the extreme step after she was continuously harassed by Gajender. The man usually followed the girl and he also used to talk to her, stated the complaint.

According to the family, Gajender, who earlier was as a tailor but now worked as a property dealer in the area, threatened the girl that she would face serious consequences if she informed her family about him. However, according to police sources, the mother of the girl had gone upstairs to bring down the clothes from the terrace due to winds blowing at night, she did not find the girl in her room.

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