A chilling case from Maharashtra’s Nanded has triggered widespread anger after a 20-year-old man, Saksham Tate, was beaten and shot to death allegedly by the family of his partner, Anchal Mamidwar, over their inter-caste relationship. The incident, which unfolded last week, has raised troubling questions about caste-based violence and the alleged involvement of police personnel.
Anchal, 21, said her family had assured the couple that they would accept their decision to marry after three years of being together. According to her, Saksham often interacted with her family, shared meals, and believed he was slowly gaining their approval. However, she alleged that her brothers and father misled them while secretly plotting an attack.
Hours before the murder, Anchal was reportedly taken to a local police station by her younger brother, who allegedly tried to pressure her into lodging a false complaint against Saksham. She claims some officers encouraged her family to take violent action, further fuelling the assault that followed.
Later that evening, a confrontation broke out between Saksham and Anchal’s brother Himesh. The altercation escalated quickly. Saksham was shot once in the ribs and then fatally struck on the head with a tile. Himesh, his brother Sahil, their father Gajanan Mamidwar, and three others were arrested soon after and charged under murder provisions, unlawful assembly, rioting, and sections of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, along with the Arms Act.
In a deeply emotional turn, Anchal reached Saksham’s home the next day and symbolically married his body before the funeral. She has been disowned by her family and has chosen to stay with Saksham’s relatives, who have accepted her. She has demanded the strongest punishment for the accused and said she is determined to continue seeking justice.
The case has heightened concerns about caste-based discrimination and the role of law enforcement, with many calling for an impartial investigation and swift legal action.
