Udaipur, January 30: A tragic incident was reported from Gomati district where a young interfaith couple was found dead in an isolated area under Paharampur Gram Panchayat, within the jurisdiction of Jatrapur police station, on Thursday.
The deceased have been identified as Nisha Mallik (24) and Rakesh Miah (25), who belonged to Hindu and Muslim communities respectively. Both hailed from the Jamia Khamar area under the Matabari Assembly constituency of the Udaipur subdivision. While Nisha was a resident of the locality, Rakesh’s permanent home was in the Gangachhara area of Udaipur. He had been working at a salon in Rangamura Bazar, under Uttar Paharpur Gram Panchayat of the Dhanpur Assembly constituency, for the past few months.
According to preliminary police observations, the couple were found hanging from a small tree on elevated land near a bamboo grove, facing each other. Officials said a thin rope was used, and both were found tied together with a piece of cloth, their bodies closely attached, chest to chest and face to face. The scene has deeply disturbed local residents and first responders who reached the spot.
Local sources said the couple had been in a relationship for a long time but faced strong opposition from both families due to religious differences. They had reportedly attempted to elope earlier but were forced to return home under family pressure. The two are said to have eloped again on January 28.
Following Nisha’s disappearance, her family lodged a missing complaint at Melaghar police station.
“We were informed about the missing case. Before their whereabouts could be traced, we received information about two bodies found at the same place. On reaching the spot, they were found dead,” said Sriti Kanta Bardhan, Officer-in-Charge of Jatrapur police station.
Police have registered a case of unnatural death and launched an investigation to ascertain the exact circumstances leading to the incident.
“Though prima facie evidence suggests suicide, all aspects are being examined,” Bardhan added.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the area and has once again drawn attention to the intense social pressures faced by young couples in interfaith relationships.
