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BHOPAL: A trial court in Datia district on Thursday sentenced five persons to life imprisonment for the murder of a young couple in an honour killing case that came to light in January 2024.

The verdict was delivered by the Court of the Second Additional District and Sessions Judge, Seondha, on June 18.

The court found Arvind Yadav (41), his son Baldau Yadav (18), Raju Yadav (37), Deepak Yadav (28) and Golu Vishwakarma (26) guilty of murdering Neha Yadav and Rohit alias Bhura Vishwakarma.

According to the prosecution, Neha and Rohit went missing on January 22, 2024. Rohit, who had been living with relatives in Rubaha village, was allegedly involved in a relationship with Neha, daughter of accused Arvind Yadav.

The prosecution told the court that after learning that the two had eloped, the accused confronted Rohit's relatives and allegedly threatened that the couple would be killed for bringing dishonour to the family.

On January 24, relatives received information that the couple had been murdered. Their bodies were later found in a water channel near agricultural fields in Rubaha village.

Based on a complaint lodged by Rohit's uncle Brijkishore Vishwakarma, police registered a case under sections related to murder, destruction of evidence and criminal conspiracy.

During investigation, police alleged that the accused killed the couple and dumped their bodies to conceal the crime.

After examining witnesses and documentary evidence, the court convicted all five accused.

Arvind Yadav, Raju Yadav and Golu Vishwakarma were sentenced to life imprisonment and fined Rs 4,000 each.

Baldau Yadav and Deepak Yadav were also awarded life imprisonment and fined Rs 5,000 each.

Assistant District Prosecution Officer Prakash Singh Narwariya represented the prosecution.

The court held that the murders were committed in the name of family honour and warranted the maximum punishment short of death.