Shamli, Uttar Pradesh – A quiet village in Shamli district has been left in deep shock after a man killed his wife and two young daughters and hid their bodies in a deep pit inside his own house. The accused, Mohammad Farukh (also known as Farooq or Mohd Farukh), aged 37, has been arrested by police. He confessed to the crime, saying it started from an old fight over his wife not wearing a burqa when she went out.
The incident happened on the night of December 9-10 in Garhi Daulat village, which comes under Kandhla police station area. But it only came to light on December 16 when family members grew worried and told the police.
How the Crime Happened
Police say Farukh had been angry with his wife Tahira (aged around 32-36) for about a month. She had gone to her parents’ house without wearing a burqa or hijab, and he felt this brought shame to him. To bring her back, he acted nice and convinced her to return home with their daughters Afreen (aged 12-14) and Sahreen (also called Sehreem or Shareen, aged 5-7).
On the night of the crime, Farukh woke Tahira saying he wanted tea. When she was making it, he shot her with a country-made pistol he had bought earlier. Afreen woke up hearing the noise and tried to stop him, so he shot her too. Little Sahreen came out after hearing sounds, and Farukh strangled her.
Farukh had already planned everything. He dug a nine-foot deep pit in the courtyard, saying it was for a new septic tank. After killing them, he put the three bodies in the pit and covered it with soil and concrete, with help from some workers who did not know what was inside.
For the next few days, Farukh lived in the same house as if nothing happened. He told his other three children – Asmeen (10), Bilal (9), and Arshad (5) – that their mother and sisters had gone to a rented house in Shamli town. These children were sleeping when the killings took place and did not wake up.
How Police Found Out
Farukh’s parents, Daud and Asgari, live in a different house in the village because of old family fights. They got worried when they did not see Tahira and the girls for many days. When they asked Farukh, he gave excuses. Finally, on December 16 evening, Daud told the village head, who informed Kandhla police.
Police went to the house and questioned Farukh. At first he denied everything, but later he broke down and told the full story. They dug up the pit and found the bodies, along with the pistol and some cartridges.
Shamli Superintendent of Police (SP) NP Singh said, “The accused confessed during questioning. He said the main reason was his wife not wearing burqa when she left home a month ago. He felt his honour was hurt. We have recovered the weapon and registered a case of murder.”
Tahira’s brother Mohammad Iqbal came to the village after hearing the news. He said the family had money problems and fights often happened, but no one thought it would end like this.
Village in Shock
People in Garhi Daulat village are finding it hard to believe. Many gathered outside the house when police were digging. Some women were crying, thinking about the little girls. Police had to put extra force to control the crowd and stop any trouble.
This case has once again brought talk about domestic fights turning deadly. Many say small arguments in families need to be solved with talk, not violence. Women’s groups are saying more help is needed for women facing such issues at home.
Police Action and Next Steps
Farukh is in police custody now. A case has been filed under murder sections of the law. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem to find exact cause of death. Police are checking if anyone else helped him, like the workers who covered the pit.
SP NP Singh added, “This is a very sad and cruel act. We are looking into all parts of the case. Security is tight in the village to keep peace.”
The surviving children are now with relatives. Everyone is worried about how they will cope after losing their mother and sisters in such a bad way.
What People Are Saying
Local leaders and villagers have called it a black day for the village. One neighbour said, “We saw Farukh every day, he looked normal. No one knew such a big secret was hidden in his house.”
Women’s rights workers say cases like this show why laws against domestic violence need to be used more. One activist said, “No one has the right to take life over clothes or small fights. Women should feel safe to speak up.”
Police officers have asked people not to spread rumours and let the investigation finish.
Broader Picture of Such Crimes
In Uttar Pradesh and other parts of India, fights in families sometimes turn into big crimes. Police data shows many murders happen because of money issues, land disputes, or old anger. In some cases, people talk about ‘honour’, but killing is never right.
Experts say better education, counselling for families, and quick police help can stop such tragedies. Villages need more awareness programs on these topics.
As the investigation goes on, the people of Garhi Daulat are trying to come to terms with what happened right in their midst. The three lives lost – a mother and two innocent girls – remind everyone how precious peace in homes is.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When did the murders happen?
The killings took place on the night of December 9-10, 2025. The bodies were found on December 16-17 after police dug the pit.
Why did Farukh kill his family?
According to his confession, he was angry because his wife Tahira went to her parents’ house without wearing a burqa about a month earlier. He said it hurt his honour. There were also money problems and fights in the family.
How did he hide the bodies?
He dug a nine-foot deep pit in the courtyard, saying it was for a septic tank. After the killings, he put the bodies inside and sealed it with concrete.
Who are the victims?
Tahira (wife, around 32-36 years old), Afreen (elder daughter, 12-14 years), and Sahreen (younger daughter, 5-7 years).
Are there other children?
Yes, three children survived – Asmeen (10), Bilal (9), and Arshad (5). They were sleeping and did not know what happened.
How did police get to know?
Farukh’s father Daud got suspicious after not seeing them for days. He told the village head, who informed police on December 16 evening.
What did police find?
The three bodies, a country-made pistol, and cartridges. Farukh confessed fully.
Is this an honour killing?
Police say the main trigger was the burqa issue, which Farukh linked to his honour. Many reports call it a case related to that.
What happens next?
Farukh is arrested and in custody. Post-mortem is done, and police are investigating more. The case is under murder laws.