A gruesome murder has shocked the residents of Meerut district after a 17-year-old girl’s headless body was found wrapped in a sheet in a local canal. The discovery was made by a farmer on his way to the fields, who immediately alerted the police after seeing the horrifying sight.

The Discovery

On the morning of June 5th, a farmer noticed an object floating in the canal. Upon closer inspection, he found it was a body wrapped in a sheet, missing its head. His cries quickly drew a crowd, and police were called to the scene. The authorities identified the victim as a young woman, based on her clothing. During the investigation, police found two 2020-rupee notes and a slip of paper with a phone number in the pocket of her trousers.

The Investigation

Using the phone number, police traced it to a boy named Aman from the nearby village of Sadhon Ki Nangli. Aman revealed that he and the victim, Aastha, had become friends after meeting on Instagram in October 2024. Their friendship soon turned into a relationship, and they began meeting secretly.

Aastha was the daughter of Ramesh Kumar, a CRPF jawan posted in Chhattisgarh. She had recently completed her 11th-grade exams and was admitted to the 12th grade. The family, including her mother Rakesh Devi, two brothers, and a sister, lived in Daurala’s Dadri village.

The Tragedy

Tensions escalated in the family when Aastha’s younger brother discovered her in a compromising situation with Aman during a family wedding. The incident led to arguments, and Aastha insisted she would only marry Aman. Despite her father’s attempts to mediate, the atmosphere at home remained tense.

On the morning of June 4th, Aastha was caught speaking to Aman on the phone by her mother. An argument ensued, leading to a violent confrontation. In a fit of rage, her mother strangled her while her younger brother held her down. Realizing the gravity of the act, the mother called her husband and then her own brothers for help.

The Cover-Up

Late at night, the mother’s relatives arrived. Together, they transported Aastha’s body to a forest near Mehrauli, about 13 km away. There, they decapitated her and disposed of the body and head separately in different locations to avoid detection. Unbeknownst to them, the slip of paper and currency notes in her clothes would eventually lead police to the perpetrators.

The Aftermath

Police, using forensic teams and local help, searched extensively but could not recover the victim’s head or apprehend the maternal cousin who assisted in the disposal. However, the mother, brother, two maternal uncles, and a cousin were arrested. The father’s role is also under investigation, as police probe the extent of family involvement and the circumstances that led to this heinous crime.

The case is being fast-tracked, and authorities have vowed strict punishment for those found guilty. The incident has sparked outrage and reflection on the dangers of honor-based violence, as well as the importance of timely intervention and reporting.