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AHMEDABAD – An 18-year-old girl in Gujarat, who had recently qualified for a government medical seat after clearing the highly competitive National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), has been brutally murdered in a suspected case of “honour killing.” The victim, identified as Chandrika Chaudhary, was allegedly strangled by her own father and uncle in Banaskantha district. The tragic incident, which occurred on June 24, came to light after a police investigation was launched following a complaint by her live-in partner.
According to a police official, the family’s motive for the killing stemmed from their disapproval of her relationship and her desire to pursue a medical career. The victim had scored 478 marks on her NEET exam, making her eligible for admission to a government medical college, a dream that was apparently at odds with her family’s fears that she would marry outside of their community. Police reports indicate that on the night of the murder, Chandrika was allegedly given milk laced with sleeping pills by her father, Sendhabhai Patel, and her uncle, Shivrambhai Patel. Once she fell unconscious, they strangled her with a dupatta. The next morning, her body was hastily cremated in an attempt to hide the crime.
The shocking murder was exposed after her partner, Haresh Chaudhary, who had been in jail on a separate charge, filed a habeas corpus petition with the Gujarat High Court to locate her. He had received desperate messages from her before his arrest, expressing fears that she would be killed by her family. Following the petition, a police investigation was launched, which revealed the horrifying truth. While Shivrambhai Patel has been arrested, the victim’s father, Sendhabhai Patel, remains at large. This heinous act serves as a stark reminder of the social taboos and deep-seated prejudices that continue to threaten the lives and aspirations of young people, even those on the cusp of a promising future in the medical field.
Disclaimer: This news report is based on information from public domain news articles and police reports. The details of the crime, including the names and actions of the accused, are allegations from the police investigation. All individuals mentioned are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Reference:
- The New Indian Express, “Suspected honour killing victim from Gujarat cracks NEET” (August 13, 2025). Available at:
https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Aug/13/suspected-honour-killing-victim-from-gujarat-cracks-neet-2
