Shamli Triple Murder Shocks Uttar Pradesh, Accused Cites Purdah Dispute in Confession

A disturbing case of domestic violence has come to light in Shamli district after a man allegedly confessed to murdering his wife and two minor daughters, claiming the killings were triggered by a dispute over his wife stepping out of the house without observing strict purdah. The incident has sent shockwaves through the region and reignited concerns over gender-based violence rooted in rigid social beliefs.

According to police officials, the accused, Farooq, lived with his wife Tahira and their two daughters in Garhi Daulat village under the Kandhla police station limits. Investigators said the crime occurred on the night of December 10 following a heated argument between the couple. During questioning, Farooq reportedly stated that he was enraged after his wife defied his insistence on wearing a burqa and had earlier visited her parental home without covering her face, which he claimed brought dishonour to the family.

Police said the accused first killed his wife inside their home. His two daughters, Afreen, aged 14, and Sahreen, aged seven, allegedly witnessed the incident. Investigators stated that Farooq then went on to kill both children to prevent them from revealing the crime. The brutality of the act has stunned residents, with officials describing the killings as deliberate and calculated.

After committing the murders, the accused allegedly buried the bodies inside the house and attempted to conceal the crime.

The matter came to light several days later when Farooq’s father, who lived separately in the same village, became suspicious after not seeing his daughter-in-law and grandchildren for an extended period. He alerted local authorities, prompting a police search of the house. During the search, police uncovered the buried bodies and took Farooq into custody. Evidence recovered from the scene included blood-stained objects and signs of a violent struggle. Officials said the post-mortem examinations were conducted to determine the exact cause of death and further corroborate the confession.

Police revealed that Farooq worked as a cook at social functions and had a history of frequent arguments with his wife over personal and household matters. Neighbours described the family as largely reserved, adding that no one had anticipated such an extreme act of violence.

Senior police officials stated that a detailed investigation is underway and that the accused will be booked under relevant sections of the law. They added that the case highlights the dangers of deeply entrenched patriarchal attitudes and the extreme consequences they can produce within households. The triple murder has sparked outrage among locals, with many demanding strict punishment for the accused. Authorities have assured that the investigation will be conducted thoroughly and that justice will be pursued for the victims, whose deaths have left the community grappling with grief and disbelief.