Maharashtra Honor Killing: Police Accused of Instigating Murder Over Inter-Caste Relationship

Anchal with Saksham's photo in the background

In Maharashtra's Nanded, following the tragic death of 20-year-old Saksham Tate who was violently killed over an inter-caste relationship, his partner Anchal Mamidwar (21) has made serious allegations against local police officers. She claims two policemen were among those who instigated her brothers to attack Saksham.

Social media has been flooded with emotional footage showing Anchal performing a symbolic marriage ceremony with Saksham's remains. Speaking to NDTV in visible distress, Anchal revealed that her family had previously assured the couple they would support their marriage plans. "We shared three years together and built numerous dreams for our future. My brothers had promised to arrange our wedding, but they ultimately betrayed us," she explained.

Anchal clarified that her relationship with Saksham began through Instagram, not through introductions by her brothers. She mentioned that her family members had socialized with Saksham regularly. "They were friendly with him and shared meals together. They convinced him everything was fine between them. We never anticipated something this terrible would happen," she stated.

'He Is A Jai Bhimwala'

Anchal, who belongs to the Special Backward Class, revealed her family referred to Saksham as a 'Jai Bhimwala'—a term used for Dalits who use the greeting "Jai Bhim." She recounted, "My father once told Saksham that marrying me would require him to convert to our religion, Hindu Dharma. Saksham was willing to fulfill any condition to marry me. But something changed unexpectedly."

A Cop's Dare

Anchal has specifically accused two police officers—Dheeraj Komalwar and Maheet Asarwar—of encouraging her brothers toward violence. Her family reportedly has a history of criminal activity. "Around 11 am on the day Saksham was killed, my younger brother brought me to the police station demanding I file false accusations against Saksham. When I refused, the officers told my brother, 'You're always here after committing murders. Why not kill the man involved with your sister?' My brother responded, 'Fine, I'll kill him by evening and return here.'" Anchal questioned how citizens could trust law enforcement officials who behave this way. Reports indicate Saksham also had a criminal record.

The Attack

The fatal incident occurred Thursday evening when Saksham was with friends and Anchal's brother, Himesh Mamidwar, initiated a confrontation that escalated into violence. Himesh allegedly shot Saksham, with the bullet striking his ribs, before fatally wounding him by smashing his head with a tile. Authorities have arrested Himesh, his brother Sahil, their father Gajanan Mamidwar, and three additional suspects. They face charges including murder, unlawful assembly, and rioting under BNS, along with violations of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and Arms Act.

Funeral Turns 'Wedding'

The following evening, while Saksham's funeral preparations were underway, Anchal arrived at his residence and performed a symbolic marriage ceremony with his body. "I've loved Saksham for three years, but my father opposed our relationship because of caste differences. My family repeatedly threatened to kill Saksham, and now my father and brothers, Himesh and Sahil, have carried out that threat. I demand justice—the perpetrators should receive capital punishment," she told reporters. She expressed her intention to live with Saksham's family moving forward.

'Murdered Over Caste'

Speaking to NDTV, Anchal stated her family has permanently disowned her. "This murder was motivated by caste prejudice. My father and brothers would boast, 'We are gangsters, and Saksham knows this. How dare he speak to our daughter'?"

Anchal confirmed Saksham's family has welcomed her, and she plans to remain with them permanently. She expressed confidence in obtaining justice: "Many people are supporting me. Nobody should be killed because of caste differences."