Honeymoon Murder Shocker: Why Are Women Being Driven to Commit Such Cold-Blooded Crimes?

A Murder That Mirrors the Past

The shocking “honeymoon murder” in Meghalaya last month, executed by a young woman with the help of her lover, has drawn eerie parallels with a chilling case from 2003. That earlier case, which rocked Karnataka, saw a 20-year-old law student orchestrate the killing of her fiancé with the aid of her lover and his friends. The Supreme Court recently revisited that case, upholding the life sentences but also opening a debate on what compels young women to take such drastic steps.

Much like the Meghalaya case, the 2003 murder was a calculated crime of passion—driven by love, rebellion, and circumstances. Both cases highlight a disturbing question: what pushes women, often well-educated and from respectable families, into the shadows of crime?

The 2003 Bengaluru Murder: A Love Story Turned Deadly

Back in November 2003, a 20-year-old woman, studying law at a prestigious Bengaluru college, was deeply in love with her classmate. Her family, unaware of her relationship, arranged her engagement to a software engineer—the son of a family friend—on November 30, 2003.

Just two days after the engagement, the young woman hatched a plan. She persuaded her fiancé to take her out for dinner. After the meal, she insisted on stopping at Air View Point on Airport Ring Road—a popular spot to watch planes landing.

But while appearing to enjoy the evening, she was constantly texting her lover and his friends, updating them on their exact location. Moments later, the accomplices arrived. Armed with an iron rod, they struck the unsuspecting software engineer on the head from behind. The brutal blow proved fatal.

The crime shocked the city. A promising life had been cut short, and the accused—barely out of their teens—were arrested and convicted.

The Supreme Court’s Verdict: Upholding Justice but Allowing Hope

More than two decades later, the case came before the Supreme Court, where Justices M M Sundresh and Arvind Kumar upheld the life sentences of the woman and her accomplices, including her lover.

However, the court also took a compassionate view, recognizing that the convicts, now in their middle age, had already spent over 20 years in prison with no negative records against them. Justice Sundresh, writing the judgment, reflected on the tragedy of wasted youth and observed:

“This unfortunate event would not have occurred had the family been more sympathetic in understanding the mental predilection and disposition of the woman.”

The bench noted that the three convicts were not “born criminals” but had fallen victim to poor judgment and youthful recklessness. It emphasized that their crime was the result of a “dangerous adventure” rather than an inherent criminal mindset.

Chance for a New Beginning

The Supreme Court went a step further, granting the convicts the right to seek pardon from the Karnataka Governor. The bench said:

“We would like to facilitate the appellants’ right to seek pardon by permitting them to file appropriate petitions before the governor of Karnataka. We would only request the constitutional authority to consider the same, which we hope and trust would be done by taking note of the relevant circumstances.”

In short, while justice was served, the court also opened the door for mercy—acknowledging that lives derailed at a young age might still deserve a chance at rehabilitation.

Why Do Women Commit Such Crimes?

One of the most significant aspects of the judgment was the Supreme Court’s deeper analysis of what drives women to crime. Justice Sundresh highlighted the role of social pressures, family control, and systemic inequalities.

He observed:

“A woman is pushed into a dark corner by external elements that contribute substantially to the inequalities in her life. Thoughts of a woman would differ based on the place, person, and group that she interacts with. It is the social norms and values which determine an action on her part, that is nothing but a form of her expression.”

In other words, society itself plays a role in shaping the choices—sometimes destructive—that women make.

A Pattern Repeating Itself: The Meghalaya Honeymoon Murder

Fast forward to Meghalaya, 2024, where the chilling “honeymoon murder” shocked the nation. A woman, recently married, conspired with her lover to kill her husband during what was supposed to be the happiest phase of her life. Investigators noted striking similarities with the 2003 case: secret love affairs, societal pressure, and a carefully plotted crime.

In both cases, the women were not hardened criminals but young individuals caught in webs of emotional conflict and societal expectations. But their choices led to irreversible consequences—destroyed families, wasted futures, and lives lost.

Love, Family Pressure, and Crime

Psychologists say that many such cases stem from the clash between personal desires and societal expectations. In conservative settings, young women often find themselves trapped between traditional family decisions and their own aspirations. When forced into unwanted engagements or marriages, some take extreme steps—driven by desperation, immaturity, or manipulation.

But while society’s role cannot be ignored, the fact remains: these are cold-blooded murders that claim innocent lives. And for the victims’ families, no explanation can ever justify the loss.

Should Young Offenders Be Given a Second Chance?

The Supreme Court’s decision to allow the 2003 convicts to seek pardon has sparked a debate. On one hand, justice demands accountability for heinous crimes. On the other, rehabilitation and mercy recognize that young offenders may still transform and contribute positively to society.

The court struck a balance—upholding life imprisonment but leaving the door open for clemency. This reflects a broader question India continues to grapple with: Should justice be purely punitive, or should it also be reformative?

Final Thoughts

The Meghalaya case and the 2003 Bengaluru murder are chilling reminders of how love, societal pressure, and impulsive choices can culminate in brutal crimes. They also force us to reflect on the systemic issues—patriarchy, lack of freedom in relationships, and rigid family expectations—that often push young women into extreme situations.

As the Supreme Court noted, these women were not born criminals. But their choices destroyed lives—including their own. The challenge for society and the justice system is to strike the right balance between punishment and redemption—ensuring justice for the victims while still allowing space for reform.