In a horrifying incident that has sent shockwaves through the state of Madhya Pradesh, an 18-year-old woman named Shivani Tomar and her 21-year-old husband, Radheshyam Tomar, were brutally killed and their bodies disposed of in a crocodile-infested river. The ill-fated chain of events began when Shivani and Radheshyam decided to elope on May 6, determined to start a new life together. Their love, however, was met with strong opposition from Shivani’s father, Rajpal Tomar, and other family members.
Desperate to protect their relationship, the young couple reached out to their families, sending a video message assuring them of their happiness and requesting not to be troubled. Tragically, their plea fell on deaf ears. The police were eventually alerted to their elopement and located them in Agra on May 11. Instead of ensuring the couple’s safety and respecting their rights as adults, the police returned them to their families. This decision proved fatal, as Shivani and Radheshyam were subsequently subjected to unimaginable violence at the hands of Shivani’s family.
According to Police Superintendent Shailendra Chouhan, the investigation unfolded with the confession of Shivani’s father and six other family members. They admitted to the murders and revealed the chilling details of their heinous act. The couple was mercilessly beaten upon their capture, and on June 3, they were shot dead. To conceal their crime, the perpetrators tied the lifeless bodies to stones and callously tossed them into the treacherous waters of the Chambal River, known for its crocodile population.
The grief-stricken father of Radheshyam, Lakhan Singh, has criticized the police for their inaction and negligence in handling the case. Singh stated that their family had filed a missing person report on June 4, suspecting foul play. However, the police initially treated the situation as a mere elopement, resulting in a two-week delay before taking the matter seriously and detaining Rajpal Tomar. As the investigation continues, Chouhan has assured the public that a thorough examination of all angles of the case is underway.
The motive behind the gruesome crime appears to be the couple’s relationship falling within the same clan, which was strongly objected to by Shivani’s family. This heartbreaking incident underscores the urgent need for societal change and the protection of individuals’ right to choose their life partners. The loss of these young lives serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of unchecked familial interference and the importance of upholding justice for victims of honor-based violence.