Tragedy in Rajasthan: Karishma’s Love Story Ends in Suicide and Allegations of Honor Killing

A heart-wrenching story from Nagaur, Rajasthan, has sent shockwaves across India, being widely referred to as the “Sahdev Murder Case.” What began as a tale of forbidden love between a young woman and her married college teacher ended in unimaginable tragedy—culminating in murder, suicide, and a haunting cry for justice.

The Beginning: A Love That Defied Boundaries

Karishma Choudhary, a resident of Dharnana village in Nagaur, Rajasthan, grew up under the shadow of tradition. Like many girls in her region, her family had arranged her marriage while she was still a child. But Karishma was determined to carve her own path. After completing her schooling, she enrolled in a nearby college to pursue nursing—a decision that would change her life forever.

It was at this college that Karishma met Sahdev Bhakar, a teacher. Their first meeting sparked a connection that quickly blossomed into love. Despite the significant age gap and the fact that Sahdev was already married, the two found solace in each other’s company. Sahdev, unhappy in his own marriage, confided in Karishma about his desire to leave his wife and start anew. For Karishma, who had never accepted her childhood engagement, Sahdev represented hope and freedom.

Age and the Law: Waiting for Adulthood

However, there was a legal obstacle. Karishma was not yet 18—the minimum age for a woman to marry in India. Despite their mutual affection, Sahdev could not legally marry her until she reached adulthood. For months, the couple waited, their relationship hidden from the world.

As soon as Karishma turned 18, Sahdev filed for divorce from his wife, signaling to Karishma that he was serious about building a life with her. Interpreting this as a green light, Karishma left her family home and joined Sahdev. The couple began living together, hoping to escape the constraints of tradition and start anew.

Nine Months of Hope—and a Sudden Downfall

For nine months, Karishma and Sahdev lived together in a live-in relationship. But their happiness was short-lived. On June 13th, Karishma’s family, still enraged by her decision to leave and live with a married man, allegedly kidnapped Sahdev. The next day, Sahdev was found dead—a murder that authorities believe was orchestrated by Karishma’s family in an act of so-called “honor killing.”

The news of Sahdev’s brutal death shattered Karishma. In a final video message, she accused her family of killing the man she loved and demanded that they be sentenced to death for their crime. Her words were chilling: “My family should be hanged.” The pain and despair in her voice were unmistakable.

The Final Act: Karishma’s Suicide

Unable to bear the loss of Sahdev and the betrayal by her own family, Karishma took her own life just 13 days after Sahdev’s murder. She ended her life in the very house where she had once dreamed of a future with him. Her suicide marked the devastating end of a love story that had already claimed one life.

The police acted swiftly, arresting three members of Karishma’s family in connection with Sahdev’s murder. But the damage had been done. Two young lives, full of promise, were lost to the age-old shackles of tradition and the violence of “honor.”

A Love Story Turned Nightmare

Karishma and Sahdev’s story is a chilling reminder of the dangers faced by those who dare to defy social norms in India. Their relationship, condemned by their families and society, ultimately became the cause of their deaths. The case has sparked outrage and debate across the country, with many questioning the persistence of honor killings and the lack of protection for women who assert their independence.

Honor killings remain a grim reality in parts of India, where family reputation is often valued above individual happiness and freedom. Couples who choose their own partners—especially across caste, religion, or age boundaries—are frequently targeted by their own relatives. In Karishma’s case, her decision to pursue love over a childhood engagement was seen as a grave insult to her family’s honor, one they chose to avenge with violence.

The Role of the Law—and Its Limitations

While Indian law prohibits both child marriage and honor killings, enforcement remains a challenge, especially in rural areas. Karishma’s story exposes the gaps in the system: although she waited until she was legally of age, and although Sahdev followed the legal process to divorce his wife, neither was protected from the wrath of those who opposed their relationship.

The tragedy has reignited calls for stronger measures to prevent honor killings and to provide support for women seeking to escape forced marriages or abusive families. Activists argue that the government must do more to protect the rights and lives of young women like Karishma, who are caught between tradition and modernity.

National Outrage and Demands for Justice

The Sahdev Murder Case has dominated headlines and social media discussions, with many demanding justice for both Sahdev and Karishma. Candlelight vigils, protests, and online campaigns have sprung up across Rajasthan and beyond, calling for the harshest punishment for those responsible.

Karishma’s final message—her plea that her family be hanged—has resonated with many, highlighting the desperation and hopelessness felt by victims of honor-based violence. Her story has become a rallying cry for change, forcing society to confront uncomfortable truths about the price of tradition.

Remembering Karishma and Sahdev

As the investigation continues and the legal process unfolds, the memory of Karishma and Sahdev lingers. Their love, though brief, was powerful enough to challenge centuries-old customs—and ultimately, it cost them their lives.

Their story is a stark reminder of the urgent need for societal change. Until families learn to value the choices and happiness of their children over outdated notions of honor, tragedies like this will continue to haunt India.

Conclusion

The heartbreaking end of Karishma and Sahdev’s love story is more than just a personal tragedy—it is a national wake-up call. It exposes the deadly consequences of honor-based violence and the urgent need for reform. As India mourns their loss, one can only hope that their story inspires action, compassion, and a new understanding of what true honor means.