The Incident: A Brutal Crime
On February 1, 2018, Ankit Saxena, a 23-year-old photographer from West Delhi, was tragically murdered by the family of his girlfriend, Shehzadi. Ankit had been in a relationship with Shehzadi, a Muslim girl, but their love was opposed by her family due to the religious differences. Ankit’s life came to a tragic end when he was attacked and killed by Shehzadi’s father, Akbar Ali, who slit his throat. During the murder, Shehzadi’s mother, Shehnaz Begum, invoked the name of Allah as they believed that Ankit’s relationship with their daughter brought dishonour to their family.
This horrific incident shook the nation, exposing the dark side of honour killings, which remain a social problem in many parts of India, particularly when relationships cross religious and caste boundaries.
The Legal Battle: A Struggle for Justice
Ankit’s family, particularly his mother, Kamlesh, fought relentlessly to ensure that the criminals were brought to justice. After years of legal proceedings, the Delhi Court finally delivered its verdict in January 2024. The court convicted Akbar Ali (Shehzadi’s father), Shehnaz Begum (her mother), and Salim (her maternal uncle) for the premeditated murder of Ankit Saxena.
The court found the crime to be a result of honour-based violence, acknowledging that the family’s extreme actions were driven by their belief that Ankit’s relationship with Shehzadi was “unacceptable.” Despite facing intense societal and family pressures, Ankit’s family stood firm in their pursuit of justice.
The three convicts were sentenced to life imprisonment for their roles in the crime and were also fined ₹50,000 each.
The Impact on the Family
For Kamlesh Saxena, Ankit’s mother, the pain of losing her son has never been easy to bear. Despite the conviction, the fight continues. Kamlesh’s personal anguish has been a reflection of the deep-rooted societal issues that still plague many families in India, particularly when interfaith relationships or marriages are involved. Honour killings like these reflect the oppressive forces at play, limiting individuals’ freedom to choose their partners based on love rather than societal or familial approval.
Ankit’s mother has shared her struggles with the media, vowing to continue her fight for justice in the hope that it will prevent such tragedies from occurring again. The legal battle for Ankit’s murder has served as a symbol of resilience against violence justified by “honour.”
Key Highlights of the Case
- Victim: Ankit Saxena, 23-year-old photographer from Delhi.
- Perpetrators: Akbar Ali (father), Shehnaz Begum (mother), Salim (maternal uncle).
- Motive: Honour killing driven by the family’s disapproval of an interfaith relationship.
- Verdict: The three convicts were sentenced to life imprisonment by the Delhi Court in January 2024.
- Family’s Struggle: Kamlesh Saxena’s fight for justice and the ongoing struggle of families affected by honour-based violence.
Why This Case Matters
The Ankit Saxena murder case brings to light the deeply entrenched societal issues surrounding honour killings. These crimes are often committed by families who feel that their reputation and societal standing are at stake when their children pursue relationships outside the norms of caste, religion, or community.
This tragedy is a stark reminder that love should never be a crime, and people should not be killed or oppressed for choosing their life partners. Honour-based violence is rooted in patriarchal beliefs that restrict individual freedom and human rights.
What We Can Learn from This Case
- End Honour Killings: Honour killings are a crime that must be eradicated from society. No one’s life or dignity should be taken away because of love or personal choices.
- Legal Awareness: There is an urgent need for greater legal awareness and advocacy for victims and families affected by such crimes.
- Support for Victims: It is essential to offer emotional, legal, and social support for victims of honour violence, like Kamlesh Saxena, who have lost their loved ones to a senseless tragedy.
The Call for Justice Continues
At Roopantar, we stand in solidarity with families affected by honour killings and support the tireless efforts of individuals like Kamlesh Saxena, who continue to seek justice for their loved ones. Ankit Saxena’s story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of fighting against injustice, no matter how long it takes.
Together, we can raise awareness about honour-based violence, provide support for victims, and work towards a society that values love, respect, and human rights over outdated notions of honour.
Call to Action: Stand Against Honour Killings
If you or someone you know is affected by honour violence, reach out to Roopantar for support. Justice is the right of every individual, and we are here to help.
#JusticeForAnkit #EndHonourKillings #Roopantar #LoveIsNotACrime #StandAgainstViolence
