19 booked over deaths of two cousins in Nagarparkar

Police have registered a case against 19 people in connection with the deaths of two girls whose bodies were found hanging from a tree in Sotalai village, Nagarparkar taluka.

According to police, initial investigations suggest both girls were being forced into underage marriages. A few days ago, the bodies of 21-year-old Bhanu Kohli and 14-year-old Kanwar Kohli were found hanging from a tree in Sotalai village.

Based on the complaint of ASI Ali Khan Chandio, Nagarparkar Police Station registered an FIR naming 9 individuals and 10 unidentified persons. The FIR stated that when police reached the site on information, about 20 armed men with axes and sticks were present. Police tried to bring the bodies down for post-mortem, but the armed group strongly resisted and did not allow the bodies to be taken away. Sections related to obstructing official duty, concealing the crime, and destroying evidence have been included in the case.

The FIR further alleged that the parents and other suspects, in an attempt to hide the crime, did not allow a post-mortem and instead performed immediate cremation of the bodies to eliminate evidence. Police said preliminary inquiry revealed the two girls were cousins and were allegedly being pressured into forced underage marriages. Nagarparkar police added that raids are being conducted at various locations to arrest the nominated and other suspects, who will be brought before the law soon.