Nanded: Woman 'Marries' Lover's Body After Family Kills Him Over Caste
A caste-opposed love story in Nanded ended in Saksham’s murder, leading Aanchal to symbolically marry him at his funeral and demand justice
A tragic incident in Nanded, Maharashtra has shocked many people. It is the story of a young couple, Saksham Tate and Aanchal Mamilwad, whose love was destroyed by anger and caste hatred. Saksham and Aanchal wanted to get married soon. Saksham was Buddhist, and Aanchal was Hindu, and her family strongly opposed their relationship. Aanchal said her family had been threatening Saksham for a long time.
On 27 November, a fight broke out between Saksham and Aanchal’s brother Himesh in the old Ganj area of Nanded. During the fight, Himesh allegedly shot Saksham, and the bullet pierced his ribs. He then smashed a tile on Saksham’s head, killing him on the spot. Saksham’s mother, Sangita, said Himesh and others had come looking for Saksham earlier that day at their home.
On 28 November, during Saksham’s last rites, Aanchal arrived and carried out a symbolic wedding. She applied turmeric on his body and put sindoor on her forehead, declaring herself his widow. She said their love was still alive and announced that she was cutting ties with her family to live with Saksham’s family as their daughter-in-law. Aanchal has demanded the death penalty for her family members.
Police arrested Aanchal’s brothers—Himesh and Sahil—and her father Gajanan Mamidwar. Later, two more people, including Aanchal’s mother, were arrested. Police said all parties had past criminal cases, including Saksham. Five people have been charged under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the SC/ST Act, and the Arms Act. The court has sent the accused to police custody and investigation continues.
