A Fast Track Special Court in Jajpur, Odisha, has sentenced a couple to life imprisonment for the honour killing of their pregnant minor daughter, Ranu.
The verdict, based on the testimony of three witnesses and other evidence, also includes a fine of ₹10,000 for the convicts, Nakul Jena and Sanju Jena.
The tragic incident occurred in 2016, when the couple discovered their 15-year-old daughter’s pregnancy. Opposed to her relationship with a married man, Nakul strangled her while she was sleeping. The next day, the family secretly cremated her remains and disposed of them in a nearby river.
The crime came to light when a local woman filed a complaint with the police, leading to Nakul’s arrest and confession. The investigation later revealed Sanju’s involvement in the act.
This case highlights the dark realities of honour-based crimes and deep-seated societal issues surrounding gender oppression and familial control. With the court’s ruling, justice has finally been served in this heartbreaking case.
