Rohtak, Nov 21: Four men, including the brother of 23-year-old Sapna, were arrested after a late-night encounter on the Ladhot–Bohar road in Rohtak, marking a major development in the honour killing case that has shocked the region. Police said all four sustained gunshot injuries to their legs during the exchange of fire on Thursday and were taken to PGIMS for treatment under custody.
The accused have been identified as Sanju and Rahul of Kahni village in Rohtak, and Ankit alias Baba and Gaurav of Rukhi village in neighbouring Sonepat district. Officers said four pistols, 10 live cartridges, two magazines and a motorcycle were recovered from the men.
According to police, the group is accused of murdering Sapna at her in-laws’ home on Wednesday night. Investigators said she was allegedly shot by her brother Sanju, assisted by the three others, in what they described as an “honour-driven attack.” Her brother-in-law, Sahil, was injured when he attempted to stop the assailants.
Initial findings indicate the crime stemmed from the family’s longstanding opposition to Sapna’s marriage. “Sanju was enraged as Sapna had married a youth from the same village over three years ago against the family’s wishes,” officers noted, citing statements recorded as part of the investigation.
Police officials said the arrests came after teams tracked the suspects’ movement through rural stretches outside Rohtak. “The accused opened fire when they were asked to surrender,” an officer said. “All four were overpowered in retaliatory action.”
