In Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, a tragic end to an interfaith love marriage has shocked the local community. Mahak, a 21-year-old Muslim woman, married Vivek Ahirwar, a Hindu man, by eloping against her family’s wishes. Just a year and a half after their marriage, Mahak was found dead, hanging in her rented home—a case her mother alleges is not suicide, but a murder.
The Story: From Love Across Communities to Domestic Turmoil
Mahak, a resident of Aligol Khidki locality, first met Vivek through a mutual neighbor. Their friendship blossomed into romance, defying religious and societal barriers. On March 7, 2024, Mahak reportedly left her home with Vivek, which her family promptly reported to the police. Two months later, the family learned that the couple had married and moved to Imli Pura, where Vivek worked selling groceries and renting vehicles.
While the couple initially seemed happy, Mahak’s mother Gudiya claims that Vivek and his family soon began tormenting Mahak, making frequent financial demands and resorting to physical and emotional abuse when expectations were not met. Mahak’s mother reports that there were even attempts on Mahak’s life before, but she was persuaded to return to her husband after his family apologized and asked for reconciliation.
The Fatal Day and Allegations
On October 9th, while Mahak’s family was away for work in Indore, they received news that Mahak had allegedly taken her own life. By the time her mother arrived in Jhansi, the police had already completed the post-mortem. Mahak’s mother alleges foul play, accusing Vivek and his family of having killed her daughter for dowry and attempting to dispose of the body secretly. She claims Mahak had been harassed and threatened repeatedly, and calls for justice for her daughter.
Police Actions and Ongoing Investigation
According to Inspector Rajesh Awasthi of Jhansi’s city police station, preliminary findings suggest suicide, but they have taken Vivek into custody for further questioning. The autopsy report has been dispatched to Mahak’s family, and the police are awaiting a formal written complaint before proceeding further. Mahak’s death has reignited discussions about the dangers of dowry abuse, interfaith marriages, and the need for prompt and sensitive police response in such cases.
As relatives mourn outside the mortuary and demand justice, police have called for more evidence, promising further investigation according to law.