Gujarat – 24-year-old Hindu man brutally murdered over interfaith marriage

Dwarka, Gujarat.

A 24-year-old Hindu man was brutally murdered with an axe in Dwarka, Gujarat, on August 3, 2024. The victim, identified as Yagnik, was killed in the village of Shedakhai, approximately 15 kilometres from Bhanwada. The murder is reported to have been carried out by seven individuals, including the victim’s wife’s uncle, brother, and a minor, all of whom have been arrested by the police.

Yagnik, who had married, a Muslim woman from his village, a year and a half ago, faced severe opposition from their families. The couple had to leave their village due to this opposition.

However, following the birth of their child a month and a half ago, they returned to their village, hoping for acceptance. Unbeknownst to them, Rajma’s family harboured deep-seated resentment and sought revenge.

On the afternoon of August 3, Yagnik was heading to the village bus stop with a friend when he was targeted.

Rajma’s brother Sajid, along with her uncle Salim Hussain and other accomplices – Amad Musa, Juma Musa, Osman Musa, and Qasim – pursued Yagnik armed with axes, knives, and iron pipes. Their intent was clear: to kill Yagnik. He was caught off guard and unable to react before the attackers began their brutal assault.

Rajma’s relatives were heard saying, “He married our daughter. We will not let him go alive”, before launching their attack. One of the attackers initially brought Yagnik to the ground and proceeded to hack at his legs with an axe. Despite Yagnik’s desperate pleas for mercy, invoking the names of his wife and child, the attackers showed no compassion. He was stabbed multiple times and hacked with an axe.

Yagnik’s friend, who tried to intervene, was unable to prevent the attack and later informed Yagnik’s family of the incident. Upon hearing the news, mother and wife rushed to the scene but arrived too late to save Yagnik, who had already succumbed to his injuries at the hands of Rajma’s family.

Tragically, Yagnik passed away near Sikka village en-route to Jamnagar. Doctors at GG Hospital in Jamnagar declared him dead upon arrival.

The police are continuing their investigation into the brutal murder, and the arrested individuals will undergo further legal proceedings.