Muslim pregnant woman burnt alive by mother and sisters for marrying Hindu man

In yet another case of 'honour killing' in the state, a Muslim pregnant woman was brutally hacked to death and set on fire by her own family members for marrying outside the religion. The parents allegedly claimed that they "punished" her to "restore the family's honour that was at stake after her marriage". The incident reported from Gundakanala village in Muddebihal taluk has shocked the residents of this sleepy town.

The victim identified as Banu Begum (21) had married Sayabanna Konnur from Valmiki community much against the wishes of her family. The couple had eloped to Goa as they feared for their life in their village. However, after Banu conceived, the couple decided to return to their village, reports Prajavani.

But this did not go well with Banu's family. On Sunday, Banu's mother along with her other daughters and sons barged into the house of Banu and assaulted her husband Sayabanna with a log and burnt his body. Despite knowing that Banu was pregnant, the family members stabbed her several times before setting her on fire.

Sayabanna who has sustained grievous injuries has been rushed to the hospital and is battling for his life. He is said to be in deep shock after seeing his pregnant wife being set on fire. A case of honour killing has been registered by the Basavana Bagewadi police.

The police have arrested Banu's mother Ramman B Attar, sister Daaval alias Salma Attar, brother-in-law Jilani Dakhani and younger brother Akbar Attar. Two other sisters and brothers - Ibrahim and Imam - are on the run. The state has seen more than 13 cases of 'honour killings' so far since 2011. In fact, Mandya district has witnessed more number 'honour' killings in the state. Caste pride and deep-rooted feudal practices said to be the reason behind such heinous crimes, reports The Hindu.

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