Tanu Gurjar and her father Mahesh (Photo: India TV)
In a chilling incident that has sent shockwaves through the city, a 20-year-old woman was shot dead by her father just days before her wedding. The brutal killing took place on Tuesday (January 14) night in Adarsh Nagar, Maharajpura, around 8 PM in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. The victim, identified as Tanu Gurjar, had recently released a video detailing her ordeal and the opposition she faced from her family due to her love affair.
The accused, Mahesh Singh Gurjar, who runs a highway dhaba, killed his daughter in what he termed a matter of “honour.” Police revealed that Mahesh shot Tanu in the face with a .32-bore pistol in a fit of rage. Shockingly, her cousin, Rahul Gurjar, also allegedly participated in the crime, firing a .315 bore revolver.
The gruesome act unfolded amidst preparations for Tanu’s wedding, which was scheduled for January 18. Family members rushed to her room upon hearing gunshots, only to find Tanu lying in a pool of blood, her face disfigured. Her father, brandishing a revolver, was found standing next to her cousin, both of whom appeared unremorseful.
Neighbours informed the police about the incident. CSP Maharajpura, Narendra Singh Sikarwar, immediately arrived at the scene where Mahesh was waving the revolver and pistol in the air. Tanu did not want this marriage; it was arranged without her consent, leading to this entire dispute. Wednesday was supposed to be the day for the haldi and mehendi ceremonies.
Mahesh Gurjar, who killed his daughter by shooting her in Gwalior, shows no remorse. In police questioning, he said, “It was a matter of honour, so I shot her, and I have no regret about it.”
Just two days before her murder, Tanu posted a video online, accusing her family of coercion and physical abuse. In the video, she stated:
“I am in love with another boy. My relationship with Bhikam alias Vikki Mavai has lasted six years. Initially, my family agreed to our marriage but later refused. They now beat me daily and threaten to kill me. If anything happens to me, my family will be responsible.”
The video went viral, prompting local police to intervene and mediate with the family earlier that day.
According to police investigations, Tanu and her boyfriend, Vikki Mavai, both from the same community and with compatible family backgrounds, met at a wedding six years ago. Initially, her father had consented to their union, but pressure from relatives led to a change in his stance. Tanu was subsequently engaged to Shishupal Singh Gurjar, an Air Force sergeant from Bhind, against her will.
On Tuesday evening, Mahesh came across his daughter’s video and learned about the police visit. Enraged, he returned home, confronted Tanu, and fatally shot her. The police, stationed just 200 meters away, reached to the scene, disarming Mahesh and Rahul after a tense standoff.
Autopsy findings revealed that Tanu was shot four times—three bullets from a pistol and one from a revolver. Both Mahesh and Rahul have been arrested, and their weapons confiscated.
SP Dharamveer Singh confirmed the sequence of events, stating: “The murder occurred in a closed room after police mediation earlier in the evening. The accused showed no remorse, claiming it was a matter of honour.”
The incident has reignited debates over honour killings in India and the societal pressures that often lead to such heinous crimes.
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