Love Marriage Sparks Deadly Panchayat Brawl

A village panchayat convened to resolve a dispute over a love marriage in Etah district tragically escalated into violence, resulting in a fatal stabbing. The incident occurred in Manpur village on Sunday when family members of a 21-year-old woman, who had eloped with her partner, called a meeting near the husband's residence. Heated arguments erupted, leading to an assault where the victim, Sahibaa Singh, 25, was fatally stabbed, and Surjeet Singh, 27, was critically injured. Both were taken to Etah Medical College, where Sahibaa was pronounced dead.

The couple, Gauri Singh and Arjun Singh, had been in a relationship for years. Gauri allegedly eloped with Arjun in November last year, prompting her family to file an abduction FIR. Gauri was later found in Agra and, in court, stated she was with Arjun of her own free will. The court allowed her to stay with him, and they married on December 1, 2025. However, family tensions persisted despite the court's decision.

Authorities have registered an FIR against Aman Singh and Ramu Singh under sections related to murder and attempted murder. Preliminary investigations indicate the dispute was directly linked to the court-approved love marriage. The woman's cousin, Aman Singh, has been arrested for the stabbing. Additional police forces have been deployed to maintain order in the area following the incident.