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{{Short description|Abduction, and murder incident in India}} {{Short description|Abduction, and murder incident in India}}
{{use dmy dates|date=January 2025}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox civilian attack
| name = Nikita Tomar
| death_date = October 26, 2020 | title = Murder of Nikita Tomar
| death_place = Ballabhgarh, ] | location = ], ], ]
| partof = ], ], ]
| date = 26 October 2020
| victims = Nikita Tomar
| perpetrators = Taushif and Rahman
| assailants = 2
| motive = Forced abduction and love jihad
| verdict = ]
| charges = ]
}} }}


'''Nikita Tomar''', a 20-year-old ] student, was shot dead by Tausif & his friend Rehman outside her college in the town of ] in ] district, ], on 26 October 2020. The boy who shot her wanted her to marry him and allegedly convert to Islam, which she refused to do.<ref name=":6" /> The incident was recorded on ], which led to the arrest of two men, both of whom were fellow students.<ref>{{cite news |title=Nikita Tomar murder: No response to calls, texts; wanted to teach her lesson, says accused |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/faridabad/nikita-tomar-murder-no-response-to-calls-texts-wanted-to-teach-her-lesson-says-accused/articleshow/78923759.cms |accessdate=16 December 2020 |work=The Times of India |date=29 October 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Shocking revelations, brutal reason behind murder of Ballabhgarh girl Nikita Tomar: What we know so far |url=https://zeenews.india.com/india/shocking-revelations-brutal-reason-behind-murder-of-ballabhgarh-girl-nikita-tomar-what-we-know-so-far-2320841.html |accessdate=14 January 2021 |work=Zee News |date=26 October 2020}}</ref> On 23 March 2021, two men were convicted of her murder by a fast-track court and were imprisoned for life.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-03-27|title=Faridabad: 2 get life term in Nikita Tomar murder|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/2-get-life-term-in-nikita-tomar-murder/|access-date=2021-12-24|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref> '''Nikita Tomar''', a 20-year-old ]n student, was shot dead by Tausif and his friend Rehman outside her college in the town of ] in ] district, ], on 26 October 2020. The boy who shot her wanted to marry her and allegedly convert to Islam, which she refused to do.<ref name=":6" /> The incident was recorded on ], which led to the arrest of two men, both of whom were fellow students.<ref>{{cite news |title=Nikita Tomar murder: No response to calls, texts; wanted to teach her lesson, says accused |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/faridabad/nikita-tomar-murder-no-response-to-calls-texts-wanted-to-teach-her-lesson-says-accused/articleshow/78923759.cms |access-date=16 December 2020 |work=The Times of India |date=29 October 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Shocking revelations, brutal reason behind murder of Ballabhgarh girl Nikita Tomar: What we know so far |url=https://zeenews.india.com/india/shocking-revelations-brutal-reason-behind-murder-of-ballabhgarh-girl-nikita-tomar-what-we-know-so-far-2320841.html |access-date=14 January 2021 |work=Zee News |date=26 October 2020}}</ref> On 23 March 2021, two men were convicted of her murder by a fast-track court and were imprisoned for life.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2021-03-27|title=Faridabad: 2 get life term in Nikita Tomar murder|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/2-get-life-term-in-nikita-tomar-murder/|access-date=2021-12-24|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref>
{{Infobox criminal
| name = Tausif
| known_for = Murder of Nikita Tomar
| criminal_charge = ]
| criminal_penalty = ]
}}


== Incident == == Incident ==


=== Background === === Background ===
Tomar's family was originally from the state of Uttar Pradesh. Her family stated to press after her death that she had intended to join the ], following several members of her family who had served in the military. Tomar was studying at the Rawal International School in Nangla, and later at Aggarwal College, in Haryana, where she was studying for a bachelor's degree in Commerce. According to Tomar's family, she met one of the men convicted for her murder, Tausif, at this school, where he was a fellow student.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|last=Kumar|first=Ashok|date=2020-11-07|title=The price of saying ‘no’: On the murder of Haryana college student Nikita Tomar|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/the-price-of-saying-no-on-the-murder-of-haryana-college-student-nikita-tomar/article33043175.ece|access-date=2021-03-26|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite news|last=Kumar|first=Ashok|date=2020-10-27|title=Woman shot dead by stalker outside college in Faridabad|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/woman-shot-dead-by-stalker-outside-college-in-faridabad/article32952684.ece|access-date=2021-03-26|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Tomar's family was originally from the state of ]. Her family stated to press after her death that she had intended to join the ], following several members of her family who had served in the military. Tomar was studying at the Rawal International School in Nangla, and later at Aggarwal College, in Haryana, where she was studying for a bachelor's degree in Commerce. According to Tomar's family, she met one of the men convicted for her murder, Tausif, at this school, where he was a fellow student.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|last=Kumar|first=Ashok|date=2020-11-07|title=The price of saying 'no': On the murder of Haryana college student Nikita Tomar|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/the-price-of-saying-no-on-the-murder-of-haryana-college-student-nikita-tomar/article33043175.ece|access-date=2021-03-26|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite news|last=Kumar|first=Ashok|date=2020-10-27|title=Woman shot dead by stalker outside college in Faridabad|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/woman-shot-dead-by-stalker-outside-college-in-faridabad/article32952684.ece|access-date=2021-03-26|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>


In 2018, Tomar's family filed a police complaint alleging that Tausif had abducted her from outside Aggarwal College and confined her for three days, and that they had filed a criminal complaint about this. According to Tomar's family, they were forced to withdraw the complaint because they allege that Tausif's family exerted political influence. Tomar's father later stated to press that Tausif had stalked Tomar for a little while after the incident, but had later stopped and had no contact with her in the past two years. The case concerning this abduction has been re-opened and is currently being investigated.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":6">{{cite news|date=3 December 2020|title=Nikita Tomar murder: 2018 abduction case of student who was shot dead reopened|work=Hindustan Times|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/gurugram/nikita-tomar-murder-2018-abduction-case-of-student-who-was-shot-dead-reopened/story-Jz8CAaBLyXOn8mXnvEr8GM.html|accessdate=16 December 2020}}</ref> In 2018, Tomar's family filed a police complaint alleging that Tausif had abducted her from outside Aggarwal College and confined her for three days, and that they had filed a criminal complaint about this. According to Tomar's family, they were forced to withdraw the complaint because they allege that Tausif's family exerted political influence. Tomar's father later stated to press that Tausif had stalked Tomar for a little while after the incident, but had later stopped and had no contact with her in the past two years. The case concerning this abduction has been re-opened and is currently being investigated.<ref name=":6">{{cite news|date=3 December 2020|title=Nikita Tomar murder: 2018 abduction case of student who was shot dead reopened|work=Hindustan Times|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/gurugram/nikita-tomar-murder-2018-abduction-case-of-student-who-was-shot-dead-reopened/story-Jz8CAaBLyXOn8mXnvEr8GM.html|access-date=16 December 2020}}</ref><ref name=":1" />


=== Murder === === Murder ===
On 26 October 2020, Tomar was standing outside Aggarwal College with two friends, after writing an exam, and waiting for her brother to pick her up. CCTV footage outside the college captured two men, one with his face covered by a white cloth, drive up in a white Hyundai elite i20 and attempt to force Tomar into the car. Tomar can be seen on the video resisting, after which the man with the covered face shot her at point-blank range. Several persons can be seen walking by on the footage, but there were no attempts to intervene in the incident. Tomar was shot in the neck and collapsed, while the attackers left in the car. Tomar was taken to a local hospital, where she died from her injuries.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-10-28|title=Accosted outside college, 20-year-old woman shot dead by former classmate|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/accosted-outside-college-20-year-old-woman-shot-dead-by-former-classmate-6906255/|access-date=2021-03-26|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref> ]
On 26 October 2020, Tomar was standing outside Aggarwal College with two friends, after writing an exam, and waiting for her brother to pick her up. CCTV footage outside the college captured two men, one with his face covered by a white cloth, drive up in a white ] and attempt to force Tomar into the car. Tomar can be seen on the video resisting, after which the man with the covered face shot her at point-blank range. Several persons can be seen walking by on the footage, but there were no attempts to intervene in the incident. Tomar was shot in the neck and collapsed, while the attackers left in the car. Tomar was taken to a local hospital, where she died from her injuries.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=2020-10-28|title=Accosted outside college, 20-year-old woman shot dead by former classmate|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/accosted-outside-college-20-year-old-woman-shot-dead-by-former-classmate-6906255/|access-date=2021-03-26|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref>


Tomar's father stated that right before the murder, Tausif had, after two years of no contact, asked Tomar to convert to Islam and marry him, and that Tomar had refused.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-10-28|title=Women shot dead by former classmate: Kin claim accused was pressuring her to marry him|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/women-shot-dead-by-former-classmate-kin-claim-accused-was-pressuring-her-to-marry-him-6906258/|access-date=2021-03-26|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref> Tomar's father stated that right before the murder, Tausif had, after two years of no contact, asked Tomar to ] and marry him, and that Tomar had refused.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2020-10-28|title=Women shot dead by former classmate: Kin claim accused was pressuring her to marry him|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/women-shot-dead-by-former-classmate-kin-claim-accused-was-pressuring-her-to-marry-him-6906258/|access-date=2021-03-26|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref>


=== Investigation and Trial === === Investigation and trial ===
Immediately after the incident, Tomar's brother filed a first information report with the police stating that Tausif, who had studied in the same school as Tomar and was alleged to have abducted her in 2018, was responsible for her death. Based on this information, Tausif was arrested the same day.<ref name=":2" /> Eleven days after the incident, the Faridabad police filed a chargesheet in a district court, charging Tausif as well another man, Rehman, of the offences of criminal conspiracy, murder, abduction with intention to compel marriage and abduction with intent to murder, as well as for offences for illegally possessing firearms under the Arms Act, and listing digital and forensic evidence in addition to several eyewitnesses.<ref name=":3">{{cite news|date=7 November 2020|title=700 pages, 60 witnesses: Faridabad police file chargesheet in Nikita Tomar murder case|work=The Indian Express|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/faridabad-police-files-chargesheet-in-nikita-tomar-murder-case-6978941/|accessdate=16 December 2020}}</ref> Tausif and Rehman were remanded to jail.<ref>{{cite news|date=29 October 2020|title=Nikita Tomar murder case: Both accused sent to 14-day judicial custody|work=India today|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/nikita-tomar-murder-case-both-accused-sent-to-14-day-judicial-custody-1736251-2020-10-29|accessdate=14 January 2021}}</ref> A third person, Tausif's uncle, who had been accused of illegally supplying Tausif with the gun used in the incident, was also arrested.<ref name=":3" /> As per media reports, Tausif confessed to Police after the arrest that he shot Nikita Tomar but retracted his statement later mentioning they have been implicated for the act they did not commit or even not physically present.<ref>{{cite news|date=24 March 2021|title=Nikita Tomar murder case: Fast-track court in Haryana's Faridabad convicts two|work=Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/nikita-tomar-murder-case-fast-track-court-in-haryanas-faridabad-convicts-two/articleshow/81670131.cms|accessdate=24 March 2021}}</ref> Immediately after the incident, Tomar's brother filed a ] with the police stating that Tausif, who had studied in the same school as Tomar and was alleged to have abducted her in 2018, was responsible for her death. Based on this information, Tausif was arrested the same day.<ref name=":2" /> Eleven days after the incident, the Faridabad police filed a chargesheet in a ], charging Tausif as well another man, Rehman, of the offences of ], murder, ] and abduction with intent to murder, as well as for offences for illegally possessing firearms under the ], and listing digital and forensic evidence in addition to several eyewitnesses.<ref name=":3">{{cite news|date=7 November 2020|title=700 pages, 60 witnesses: Faridabad police file chargesheet in Nikita Tomar murder case|work=The Indian Express|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/faridabad-police-files-chargesheet-in-nikita-tomar-murder-case-6978941/|access-date=16 December 2020}}</ref> Tausif and Rehman were remanded to jail.<ref>{{cite news|date=29 October 2020|title=Nikita Tomar murder case: Both accused sent to 14-day judicial custody|work=India today|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/nikita-tomar-murder-case-both-accused-sent-to-14-day-judicial-custody-1736251-2020-10-29|access-date=14 January 2021}}</ref> A third person, Tausif's uncle, who had been accused of illegally supplying Tausif with the gun used in the incident, was also arrested.<ref name=":3" /> As per media reports, Tausif confessed to the police after the arrest that he shot Nikita Tomar but retracted his statement later mentioning they have been implicated for the act they did not commit or even not physically present.<ref>{{cite news|date=24 March 2021|title=Nikita Tomar murder case: Fast-track court in Haryana's Faridabad convicts two|work=The Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/nikita-tomar-murder-case-fast-track-court-in-haryanas-faridabad-convicts-two/articleshow/81670131.cms|access-date=24 March 2021}}</ref>


The trial for Tomar's murder was conducted at a District and Sessions Court in Faridabad which had been designated a fast-track court established to hear cases concerning crimes against women. Eyewitnesses, including Tomar's friends who were standing with her outside the college, at the time of the incident provided testimony.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Kumar|first=Ashok|date=2020-12-02|title=Eyewitnesses depose in Nikita Tomar murder case|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/eyewitnesses-depose-in-nikita-tomar-murder-case/article33225699.ece|access-date=2021-03-26|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|others=Special Correspondent|date=2020-11-13|title=Judge orders day-to-day hearing by special court in Nikita murder case|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/judge-orders-day-to-day-hearing-by-special-court-in-nikita-murder-case/article33088531.ece|access-date=2021-03-26|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> In addition, CCTV footage of the incident, as well as forensic evidence from the car used at the murder, were presented in court. An appeal by Tausif and Rehman to re-investigate the case had been previously dismissed in February 2021.<ref name=":4">{{Cite news|last=Kumar|first=Ashok|date=2021-03-24|title=Tosif, friend held guilty of Nikita Tomar murder|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/tosif-friend-held-guilty-of-nikita-tomar-murder/article34152055.ece|access-date=2021-03-26|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-02-03|title=Nikita Tomar murder case: HC dismisses plea for case re-investigation|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/nikita-tomar-case-hc-dismisses-plea-re-investigation-7172349/|access-date=2021-03-26|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref> The defence counsel argued that the weapon recovered by the police did not have Taufiq's fingerprints on it.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Kumar|first=Ashok|date=2021-03-24|title=Verdict likely in Nikita Tomar murder case today|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/verdict-likely-in-nikita-tomar-murder-case-today/article34144886.ece|access-date=2021-03-26|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> The trial for Tomar's murder was conducted at a ] in Faridabad which had been designated a fast-track court established to hear cases concerning crimes against women. Eyewitnesses, including Tomar's friends who were standing with her outside the college, at the time of the incident provided testimony.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Kumar|first=Ashok|date=2020-12-02|title=Eyewitnesses depose in Nikita Tomar murder case|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/eyewitnesses-depose-in-nikita-tomar-murder-case/article33225699.ece|access-date=2021-03-26|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=2020-11-13|title=Judge orders day-to-day hearing by special court in Nikita murder case|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/judge-orders-day-to-day-hearing-by-special-court-in-nikita-murder-case/article33088531.ece|access-date=2021-03-26|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> In addition, CCTV footage of the incident, as well as forensic evidence from the car used at the murder, were presented in court. An appeal by Tausif and Rehman to re-investigate the case had been previously dismissed in February 2021.<ref name=":4">{{Cite news|last=Kumar|first=Ashok|date=2021-03-24|title=Tosif, friend held guilty of Nikita Tomar murder|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/tosif-friend-held-guilty-of-nikita-tomar-murder/article34152055.ece|access-date=2021-03-26|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2021-02-03|title=Nikita Tomar murder case: HC dismisses plea for case re-investigation|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/nikita-tomar-case-hc-dismisses-plea-re-investigation-7172349/|access-date=2021-03-26|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref> The defence counsel argued that the weapon recovered by the police did not have Taufiq's fingerprints on it.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Kumar|first=Ashok|date=2021-03-24|title=Verdict likely in Nikita Tomar murder case today|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/verdict-likely-in-nikita-tomar-murder-case-today/article34144886.ece|access-date=2021-03-26|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>


On 24 March 2021, the District and Sessions Court held Tausif and Rehman guilty of murder and criminal conspiracy to murder, and also held Tausif guilty for illegal possession of arms. Tausif's uncle, who had been arrested and charged with supplying the firearm in question, was acquitted.<ref name=":0">{{cite news|date=24 March 2021|title=Tosif, friend held guilty of Nikita Tomar murder|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/tosif-friend-held-guilty-of-nikita-tomar-murder/article34152055.ece|accessdate=26 March 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=24 March 2021|title=Nikita Tomar murder case: Haryana court convicts Tausif, Rehan|work=India Today|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/nikita-tomar-murder-case-haryana-court-convicts-tausif-rehan-1783143-2021-03-24|accessdate=24 March 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=26 March 2021|title=Nikita Tomar murder case convicts sentenced to life imprisonment|work=Hindustan times|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/nikita-tomar-murder-case-convicts-tausif-rehan-sentenced-to-life-imprisonment-101616755283069.html|accessdate=26 March 2021}}</ref> On 26 March 2021, the Court passed the sentencing order, giving both Tausif and Rehman life imprisonment and levying a fine of {{INRConvert|20000|year=2021}} on each of them for the murder, as well as five years and a fine of {{INRConvert|2000|year=2021}} for the offense of conspiracy and abduction. In addition, Tausif was sentenced to five years' imprisonment and a fine of {{INRConvert|5000|year=2021}} for violating the Arms Act. The sentences will run concurrently.<ref>{{Cite news|others=Special Correspondent|date=2021-03-26|title=Nikita Tomar murder case: Two convicts sentenced to life imprisonment|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/nikita-tomar-murder-case-two-convicts-sentenced-to-life-imprisonment/article34170671.ece|access-date=2021-03-26|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> On 24 March 2021, the District and Sessions Court held Tausif and Rehman guilty of murder and criminal conspiracy to murder, and also held Tausif guilty for illegal possession of arms. Tausif's uncle, who had been arrested and charged with supplying the firearm in question, was acquitted.<ref name=":0">{{cite news|date=24 March 2021|title=Tosif, friend held guilty of Nikita Tomar murder|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/tosif-friend-held-guilty-of-nikita-tomar-murder/article34152055.ece|access-date=26 March 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=24 March 2021|title=Nikita Tomar murder case: Haryana court convicts Tausif, Rehan|work=India Today|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/nikita-tomar-murder-case-haryana-court-convicts-tausif-rehan-1783143-2021-03-24|access-date=24 March 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=26 March 2021|title=Nikita Tomar murder case convicts sentenced to life imprisonment|work=Hindustan times|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/nikita-tomar-murder-case-convicts-tausif-rehan-sentenced-to-life-imprisonment-101616755283069.html|access-date=26 March 2021}}</ref> On 26 March 2021, the Court passed the sentencing order, giving both Tausif and Rehman life imprisonment and levying a fine of {{INRConvert|20000|year=2021}} on each of them for the murder, as well as five years and a fine of {{INRConvert|2000|year=2021}} for the offense of conspiracy and abduction. In addition, Tausif was sentenced to five years' imprisonment and a fine of {{INRConvert|5000|year=2021}} for violating the Arms Act. The sentences will run concurrently.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2021-03-26|title=Nikita Tomar murder case: Two convicts sentenced to life imprisonment|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/nikita-tomar-murder-case-two-convicts-sentenced-to-life-imprisonment/article34170671.ece|access-date=2021-03-26|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>


== Public response and Aftermath == == Public response and aftermath ==
] claimed that Tomar's death was part of a planned program of forced religious conversions by Muslim men against Hindu women also known as "]."<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{Cite news|date=2020-12-17|title='Love jihad': What a reported miscarriage says about India's anti-conversion law|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-55314832|access-date=2021-12-25}}</ref> One demonstration organised in ] to protest against such claims concerning 'love jihad' in connection with Tomar's death became violent, resulting in ten policeman suffering injuries and 32 persons being arrested in connection with violence. As several of those arrested had also tested positive for ], all persons who attended the protest were subsequently quarantined as well.<ref>{{Cite news|others=Special Correspondent|date=2020-11-02|title=10 policemen injured in Ballabgarh violence|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/10-policemen-injured-in-ballabgarh-violence/article32999584.ece|access-date=2021-03-26|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|others=Special Correspondent|date=2020-11-02|title=Nikita Tomar murder: 32 held for Ballabgarh violence|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/nikita-tomar-murder-32-held-for-ballabgarh-violence/article33005343.ece|access-date=2021-03-26|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-11-03|title=Nikita Tomar murder protests: 3 of 28 arrested in Faridabad test positive for coronavirus|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/nikita-tomar-murder-protests-3-of-28-arrested-in-faridabad-test-positive-for-coronavirus-6913682/|access-date=2021-03-26|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-11-02|title=Faridabad: Protest seeking justice for woman takes a violent turn|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/faridabad-protest-seeking-justice-for-woman-takes-a-violent-turn-6912899/|access-date=2021-03-26|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref> The Uttar Pradesh police stated that persons participating in the protest had been organizing the event on ] groups on which they had been sharing "... inflammatory messages that instigated violence."<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-11-04|title=Nikita Tomar murder protests: Men on WhatsApp groups that spread hate speech, says police|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/nikita-tomar-murder-protests-whatsapp-groups-6931459/|access-date=2021-03-26|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref> A similar protest held in Delhi about Tomar's death involved protestors calling for Muslim genocide, encouraging violence against Muslims and stating "''Mulle ka na qazi ka, ye desh hai'' ''Veer Shivaji'' ''ka'' (This is Shivaji’s country, not for Muslims)”.<ref>{{Cite web|title=As BJP States Ready Anti-'Love Jihad' Laws, Hindutva Activists Ramp Up Violent Rhetoric|url=https://thewire.in/communalism/anti-love-jihad-protests|access-date=2021-03-26|website=The Wire}}</ref> Haryana's Home Minister Anil Vij announced that the state would be enacting a 'love jihad' law following the incident.<ref>{{Cite news|others=PTI|date=2020-11-06|title=Govt. mulling law against ‘love jihad’, Haryana Home Minister tells Assembly|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/govt-mulling-law-against-love-jihad-home-minister-tells-haryana-assembly/article33040639.ece|access-date=2021-03-26|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Vij, a member of the ], stated that Tausif's family was connected to the ] party and alleging that they were attempting to politically influence the outcome of the case.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-10-28|title=Faridabad murder: Accused a relative of Congress leaders, alleges Anil Vij|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ballabhgarh-woman-killed-accused-a-relative-of-congress-leaders-anil-vij-6907115/|access-date=2021-03-26|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref> ] claimed that Tomar's death was part of a planned program of forced religious conversions by Muslim men against Hindu women also known as "]."<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{Cite news|date=2020-12-17|title='Love jihad': What a reported miscarriage says about India's anti-conversion law|language=en-GB|publisher=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-55314832|access-date=2021-12-25}}</ref> One demonstration organised in ] to protest against such claims concerning 'love jihad' in connection with Tomar's death became violent, resulting in ten policeman suffering injuries and 32 persons being arrested in connection with violence. As several of those arrested had also tested positive for ], all persons who attended the protest were subsequently quarantined as well.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2020-11-02|title=10 policemen injured in Ballabgarh violence|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/10-policemen-injured-in-ballabgarh-violence/article32999584.ece|access-date=2021-03-26|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=2020-11-02|title=Nikita Tomar murder: 32 held for Ballabgarh violence|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/nikita-tomar-murder-32-held-for-ballabgarh-violence/article33005343.ece|access-date=2021-03-26|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2020-11-03|title=Nikita Tomar murder protests: 3 of 28 arrested in Faridabad test positive for coronavirus|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/nikita-tomar-murder-protests-3-of-28-arrested-in-faridabad-test-positive-for-coronavirus-6913682/|access-date=2021-03-26|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2020-11-02|title=Faridabad: Protest seeking justice for woman takes a violent turn|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/faridabad-protest-seeking-justice-for-woman-takes-a-violent-turn-6912899/|access-date=2021-03-26|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref> The Uttar Pradesh police stated that persons participating in the protest had been organizing the event on ] groups on which they had been sharing "... inflammatory messages that instigated violence."<ref>{{Cite news |date=2020-11-04|title=Nikita Tomar murder protests: Men on WhatsApp groups that spread hate speech, says police|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/nikita-tomar-murder-protests-whatsapp-groups-6931459/|access-date=2021-03-26|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref> A similar protest held in Delhi about Tomar's death involved protestors calling for Muslim genocide, encouraging violence against Muslims and stating "''Mulle ka na qazi ka, ye desh hai'' ''Veer Shivaji'' ''ka'' (This is Shivaji’s country, not for Muslims)”.<ref>{{Cite news |title=As BJP States Ready Anti-'Love Jihad' Laws, Hindutva Activists Ramp Up Violent Rhetoric|url=https://thewire.in/communalism/anti-love-jihad-protests|access-date=2021-03-26|website=The Wire}}</ref> ] ] announced that the state would be enacting a 'love jihad' law following the incident.<ref>{{Cite news|agency=PTI|date=2020-11-06|title=Govt. mulling law against 'love jihad', Haryana Home Minister tells Assembly|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/govt-mulling-law-against-love-jihad-home-minister-tells-haryana-assembly/article33040639.ece|access-date=2021-03-26|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Vij, a member of the ], stated that Tausif's family was connected to the ] party and alleging that they were attempting to politically influence the outcome of the case.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2020-10-28|title=Faridabad murder: Accused a relative of Congress leaders, alleges Anil Vij|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ballabhgarh-woman-killed-accused-a-relative-of-congress-leaders-anil-vij-6907115/|access-date=2021-03-26|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref>


The Chair of the National Commission for Women, Rekha Sharma, made a statement to the press after the Sessions Court passed the order of conviction, calling for the imposition of the death penalty, and stating, "Her parents educated her and thought that she was going to be self-dependent. That girl was murdered in a gruesome manner. I would like to demand to give capital punishment."<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|date=2021-03-26|title=Nikita Tomar murder case: Faridabad court awards life imprisonment to Tauseef, Rehaan|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-nikita-tomar-murder-case-faridabad-court-awards-life-imprisonment-to-tauseef-rehan-2883213|access-date=2021-03-26|website=DNA India|language=en}}</ref> The Chair of the ], Rekha Sharma, made a statement to the press after the ] passed the order of conviction, calling for the imposition of the ], and stating, "Her parents educated her and thought that she was going to be self-dependent. That girl was murdered in a gruesome manner. I would like to demand to give capital punishment."<ref name=":5">{{Cite news |date=2021-03-26|title=Nikita Tomar murder case: Faridabad court awards life imprisonment to Tauseef, Rehaan|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-nikita-tomar-murder-case-faridabad-court-awards-life-imprisonment-to-tauseef-rehan-2883213|access-date=2021-03-26|website=DNA India|language=en}}</ref>


He has gone on to identify failures in Indian law to address the issue of ], stating, "It is not about Hindus or Muslims. We need a stringent law so that these obsessive stalkers don’t even dare to look at our daughters."<ref name=":1" /> Later, Tomar's father is reported by '']'' to have said that a law prohibiting 'love jihad' would have saved his daughter.<ref name=":5" /> He has gone on to identify failures in Indian law to address the issue of ], stating, "It is not about Hindus or Muslims. We need a stringent law so that these obsessive stalkers don’t even dare to look at our daughters."<ref name=":1" /> Later, Tomar's father is reported by '']'' to have said that a law prohibiting 'love jihad' would have saved his daughter.<ref name=":5" />

== See also ==
]


== References == == References ==
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Latest revision as of 09:22, 6 January 2025

Abduction, and murder incident in India

Murder of Nikita Tomar
Part of violence against women in India, Love Jihad, hinduphobia
LocationBallabhgarh, Haryana, India
Date26 October 2020
VictimsNikita Tomar
PerpetratorsTaushif and Rahman
Assailants2
MotiveForced abduction and love jihad
VerdictLife imprisonment
ChargesIPC-302 Murder

Nikita Tomar, a 20-year-old Indian student, was shot dead by Tausif and his friend Rehman outside her college in the town of Ballabhgarh in Faridabad district, Haryana, on 26 October 2020. The boy who shot her wanted to marry her and allegedly convert to Islam, which she refused to do. The incident was recorded on CCTV, which led to the arrest of two men, both of whom were fellow students. On 23 March 2021, two men were convicted of her murder by a fast-track court and were imprisoned for life.

Incident

Background

Tomar's family was originally from the state of Uttar Pradesh. Her family stated to press after her death that she had intended to join the Indian Army, following several members of her family who had served in the military. Tomar was studying at the Rawal International School in Nangla, and later at Aggarwal College, in Haryana, where she was studying for a bachelor's degree in Commerce. According to Tomar's family, she met one of the men convicted for her murder, Tausif, at this school, where he was a fellow student.

In 2018, Tomar's family filed a police complaint alleging that Tausif had abducted her from outside Aggarwal College and confined her for three days, and that they had filed a criminal complaint about this. According to Tomar's family, they were forced to withdraw the complaint because they allege that Tausif's family exerted political influence. Tomar's father later stated to press that Tausif had stalked Tomar for a little while after the incident, but had later stopped and had no contact with her in the past two years. The case concerning this abduction has been re-opened and is currently being investigated.

Murder

Left: attack, Middle: Nikita Tomar, Right: accused

On 26 October 2020, Tomar was standing outside Aggarwal College with two friends, after writing an exam, and waiting for her brother to pick her up. CCTV footage outside the college captured two men, one with his face covered by a white cloth, drive up in a white Hyundai Elite i20 and attempt to force Tomar into the car. Tomar can be seen on the video resisting, after which the man with the covered face shot her at point-blank range. Several persons can be seen walking by on the footage, but there were no attempts to intervene in the incident. Tomar was shot in the neck and collapsed, while the attackers left in the car. Tomar was taken to a local hospital, where she died from her injuries.

Tomar's father stated that right before the murder, Tausif had, after two years of no contact, asked Tomar to convert to Islam and marry him, and that Tomar had refused.

Investigation and trial

Immediately after the incident, Tomar's brother filed a first information report with the police stating that Tausif, who had studied in the same school as Tomar and was alleged to have abducted her in 2018, was responsible for her death. Based on this information, Tausif was arrested the same day. Eleven days after the incident, the Faridabad police filed a chargesheet in a district court, charging Tausif as well another man, Rehman, of the offences of criminal conspiracy, murder, abduction with intention to compel marriage and abduction with intent to murder, as well as for offences for illegally possessing firearms under the Arms Act, and listing digital and forensic evidence in addition to several eyewitnesses. Tausif and Rehman were remanded to jail. A third person, Tausif's uncle, who had been accused of illegally supplying Tausif with the gun used in the incident, was also arrested. As per media reports, Tausif confessed to the police after the arrest that he shot Nikita Tomar but retracted his statement later mentioning they have been implicated for the act they did not commit or even not physically present.

The trial for Tomar's murder was conducted at a District and Sessions Court in Faridabad which had been designated a fast-track court established to hear cases concerning crimes against women. Eyewitnesses, including Tomar's friends who were standing with her outside the college, at the time of the incident provided testimony. In addition, CCTV footage of the incident, as well as forensic evidence from the car used at the murder, were presented in court. An appeal by Tausif and Rehman to re-investigate the case had been previously dismissed in February 2021. The defence counsel argued that the weapon recovered by the police did not have Taufiq's fingerprints on it.

On 24 March 2021, the District and Sessions Court held Tausif and Rehman guilty of murder and criminal conspiracy to murder, and also held Tausif guilty for illegal possession of arms. Tausif's uncle, who had been arrested and charged with supplying the firearm in question, was acquitted. On 26 March 2021, the Court passed the sentencing order, giving both Tausif and Rehman life imprisonment and levying a fine of ₹20,000 (equivalent to ₹22,000 or US$260 in 2023) on each of them for the murder, as well as five years and a fine of ₹2,000 (equivalent to ₹2,200 or US$26 in 2023) for the offense of conspiracy and abduction. In addition, Tausif was sentenced to five years' imprisonment and a fine of ₹5,000 (equivalent to ₹5,600 or US$66 in 2023) for violating the Arms Act. The sentences will run concurrently.

Public response and aftermath

Karni Sena claimed that Tomar's death was part of a planned program of forced religious conversions by Muslim men against Hindu women also known as "love jihad." One demonstration organised in Ballabhgarh to protest against such claims concerning 'love jihad' in connection with Tomar's death became violent, resulting in ten policeman suffering injuries and 32 persons being arrested in connection with violence. As several of those arrested had also tested positive for COVID-19, all persons who attended the protest were subsequently quarantined as well. The Uttar Pradesh police stated that persons participating in the protest had been organizing the event on Whatsapp groups on which they had been sharing "... inflammatory messages that instigated violence." A similar protest held in Delhi about Tomar's death involved protestors calling for Muslim genocide, encouraging violence against Muslims and stating "Mulle ka na qazi ka, ye desh hai Veer Shivaji ka (This is Shivaji’s country, not for Muslims)”. Haryana's Home Minister Anil Vij announced that the state would be enacting a 'love jihad' law following the incident. Vij, a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party, stated that Tausif's family was connected to the Congress party and alleging that they were attempting to politically influence the outcome of the case.

The Chair of the National Commission for Women, Rekha Sharma, made a statement to the press after the Sessions Court passed the order of conviction, calling for the imposition of the death penalty, and stating, "Her parents educated her and thought that she was going to be self-dependent. That girl was murdered in a gruesome manner. I would like to demand to give capital punishment."

He has gone on to identify failures in Indian law to address the issue of stalking, stating, "It is not about Hindus or Muslims. We need a stringent law so that these obsessive stalkers don’t even dare to look at our daughters." Later, Tomar's father is reported by Daily News and Analysis to have said that a law prohibiting 'love jihad' would have saved his daughter.

References

  1. ^ "Nikita Tomar murder: 2018 abduction case of student who was shot dead reopened". Hindustan Times. 3 December 2020. Retrieved 16 December 2020.
  2. "Nikita Tomar murder: No response to calls, texts; wanted to teach her lesson, says accused". The Times of India. 29 October 2020. Retrieved 16 December 2020.
  3. "Shocking revelations, brutal reason behind murder of Ballabhgarh girl Nikita Tomar: What we know so far". Zee News. 26 October 2020. Retrieved 14 January 2021.
  4. "Faridabad: 2 get life term in Nikita Tomar murder". The Indian Express. 27 March 2021. Retrieved 24 December 2021.
  5. ^ Kumar, Ashok (7 November 2020). "The price of saying 'no': On the murder of Haryana college student Nikita Tomar". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 26 March 2021.
  6. ^ Kumar, Ashok (27 October 2020). "Woman shot dead by stalker outside college in Faridabad". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 26 March 2021.
  7. "Accosted outside college, 20-year-old woman shot dead by former classmate". The Indian Express. 28 October 2020. Retrieved 26 March 2021.
  8. "Accosted outside college, 20-year-old woman shot dead by former classmate". The Indian Express. 28 October 2020. Retrieved 26 March 2021.
  9. "Women shot dead by former classmate: Kin claim accused was pressuring her to marry him". The Indian Express. 28 October 2020. Retrieved 26 March 2021.
  10. ^ "700 pages, 60 witnesses: Faridabad police file chargesheet in Nikita Tomar murder case". The Indian Express. 7 November 2020. Retrieved 16 December 2020.
  11. "Nikita Tomar murder case: Both accused sent to 14-day judicial custody". India today. 29 October 2020. Retrieved 14 January 2021.
  12. "Nikita Tomar murder case: Fast-track court in Haryana's Faridabad convicts two". The Times of India. 24 March 2021. Retrieved 24 March 2021.
  13. Kumar, Ashok (2 December 2020). "Eyewitnesses depose in Nikita Tomar murder case". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 26 March 2021.
  14. "Judge orders day-to-day hearing by special court in Nikita murder case". The Hindu. 13 November 2020. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 26 March 2021.
  15. ^ Kumar, Ashok (24 March 2021). "Tosif, friend held guilty of Nikita Tomar murder". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 26 March 2021.
  16. "Nikita Tomar murder case: HC dismisses plea for case re-investigation". The Indian Express. 3 February 2021. Retrieved 26 March 2021.
  17. Kumar, Ashok (24 March 2021). "Verdict likely in Nikita Tomar murder case today". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 26 March 2021.
  18. "Tosif, friend held guilty of Nikita Tomar murder". The Hindu. 24 March 2021. Retrieved 26 March 2021.
  19. "Nikita Tomar murder case: Haryana court convicts Tausif, Rehan". India Today. 24 March 2021. Retrieved 24 March 2021.
  20. "Nikita Tomar murder case convicts sentenced to life imprisonment". Hindustan times. 26 March 2021. Retrieved 26 March 2021.
  21. "Nikita Tomar murder case: Two convicts sentenced to life imprisonment". The Hindu. 26 March 2021. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 26 March 2021.
  22. "'Love jihad': What a reported miscarriage says about India's anti-conversion law". BBC News. 17 December 2020. Retrieved 25 December 2021.
  23. "10 policemen injured in Ballabgarh violence". The Hindu. 2 November 2020. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 26 March 2021.
  24. "Nikita Tomar murder: 32 held for Ballabgarh violence". The Hindu. 2 November 2020. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 26 March 2021.
  25. "Nikita Tomar murder protests: 3 of 28 arrested in Faridabad test positive for coronavirus". The Indian Express. 3 November 2020. Retrieved 26 March 2021.
  26. "Faridabad: Protest seeking justice for woman takes a violent turn". The Indian Express. 2 November 2020. Retrieved 26 March 2021.
  27. "Nikita Tomar murder protests: Men on WhatsApp groups that spread hate speech, says police". The Indian Express. 4 November 2020. Retrieved 26 March 2021.
  28. "As BJP States Ready Anti-'Love Jihad' Laws, Hindutva Activists Ramp Up Violent Rhetoric". The Wire. Retrieved 26 March 2021.
  29. "Govt. mulling law against 'love jihad', Haryana Home Minister tells Assembly". The Hindu. PTI. 6 November 2020. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 26 March 2021.
  30. "Faridabad murder: Accused a relative of Congress leaders, alleges Anil Vij". The Indian Express. 28 October 2020. Retrieved 26 March 2021.
  31. ^ "Nikita Tomar murder case: Faridabad court awards life imprisonment to Tauseef, Rehaan". DNA India. 26 March 2021. Retrieved 26 March 2021.
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