Gandhinagar — An 18-year-old girl from Banaskantha district, Gujarat, who had cleared the NEET medical entrance exam, was allegedly murdered by her father and uncle in what police suspect to be an “honour killing.” According to an FIR filed by her live-in partner, the family acted after learning that she was residing with her boyfriend.

Police said the incident occurred days before the Gujarat High Court was to hear a habeas corpus plea filed by the victim’s partner. Preliminary findings suggest the teenager was given milk mixed with sedatives and later strangled. The family allegedly attempted to portray her death as natural, initially claiming it was due to a heart attack.

Investigators revealed that the girl had been preparing to join a medical college after qualifying in NEET, but her family disapproved of her relationship. Officials believe concerns over “family honour” and opposition to her educational plans played a role in the crime.

The uncle has been arrested, while the father is on the run. Police have registered charges of murder, criminal conspiracy, and destruction of evidence. Authorities are conducting further searches to locate the absconding accused and gather additional forensic proof.

The case has drawn attention to the persistence of honour-based crimes in parts of India, where personal relationships—especially involving young women—can provoke extreme reactions from families. Rights activists have called for stronger community outreach and legal measures to curb such violence.