Ghaziabad Police to give security to couples facing honour killing threat

GHAZIABAD: Much to the relief of couples facing threats from their families after eloping, the Ghaziabad police has decided to provide security cover to them in a bid to curb cases of honour killing in the city.


Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Dharmender Singh has issued a circular to all station-house-officers (SHOs) directing them to provide security cover to eloped couples seeking for it on immediate basis.

He also asked them to take strict action if any case of honour killing is reported.

Police sources claimed that there are 56 couples in Ghaziabad who are at present facing honour killing threats. Besides, 147 couples have eloped this year.

Singh said the steps are being taken to protect couples who are either planning to get married or have already got married against the wishes of their parents.

There have been several cases of honour killing reported across the district in the recent few months.

On March 16, a woman was found murdered near Krishanpuri railway tracks in Modinagar. She was allegedly killed by her father and his three associates because she married against the wishes of her family.

"Cases of honour killing can be reduced in the district if couples are provided security cover by police. All SHOs have been directed to take strict action against those threatening such couples," Singh said.

Senior police officials have also welcomed the directions given by SSP in this regard, saying it would help in minimising such cases in Ghaziabad.

In the circular, the SSP has asked SHOs to record complainants' statements and keep their photos with them.

"If honour killing cases are reported from the police stations' jurisdiction, strict action would be taken against them owing to their laxity in handling such cases."