Chittoor: A newly married woman who entered into an interfaith marriage without her parents’ consent died under suspicious circumstances at her parental home in the Chittoor district, prompting speculations of honour killing. The incident, occurred on Sunday, came to light on late on Monday night.
26-year-old Yasmin Bhanu, lived in Masidi Mitta in Chittoor city, fell in love with Sai Tej from Puthalapattu While pursuing MBA while Sai Tej was pursuing a B-Tech. The couple was in a relationship for four years and got married on February 9, 2025, despite massive opposition of the girls parents and elders.
On February 13, they sought protection from Tirupati Rural Police, who counselled Yasmin’s parents and sent her with Sai Teja, as both were legally adults. According to News 18 Telegu, Yasmin’s parents opposed the union because Sai Tej was of a different religion and belonged to the SC community.
According to Sai Tej, Yasmin’s siblings were in touch with her and used to regularly call her. Three days ago they contacted her and claimed that her father’s health had deteriorated and requested her to visit.
Reportedly, Sai Teja accompanied his wife to the Gandhi Statue Junction in Chittoor, where she got into her brother’s car and left for her parental home. Half an hour later Sai Teja tried to contact Yasmin, when she did not respond, he rushed to her parental home, where he was told that Yasmin had died by suicide and that her body had been moved to the government hospital mortuary.
However, Sai Teja has alleged foul play. In a complaint lodged with the Chittoor Police, he accused Yasmin’s family members of killing her and staging the scene to look like a suicide.
The police are currently searching for Yasmin’s father, Shoukat Ali, and her maternal cousin, Lalu, who are absconding. Notably, they had taken Yasmin from the house to the hospital. Her mother is currently in police custody for investigation.
