Bros intercept police vehicle, shoot dead woman in custody of cops

Meerut: A 25-year-old woman who was shot outside a community health centre in Saharanpur while in police custody succumbed to her injuries at AIIMS Rishikesh on Tuesday night. One of her brothers has been arrested, while the other remains at large, police said on Wednesday.The woman had approached police on Monday after being reported missing since March 16 and told officers she had left home willingly to live with a man from another caste. Police were taking her for a medical examination when the attack took place.Saharanpur SSP Abhinandan Singh said the assault occurred outside the health centre when the police vehicle was intercepted by the woman's brothers, Monty Kumar and Ravi Singh. "They approached the vehicle and, before officers could react, one of them fired at her. She sustained gunshot injuries, including one to the head," he said. She was first taken to a nearby hospital and later referred to AIIMS Rishikesh, where she died during treatment.On Tuesday, Monty circulated a video claiming responsibility for the shooting. In the 37-second clip, he said, "We had repeatedly warned her not to stay in contact with the man from another caste, but she did not listen. Despite several warnings from our family and parents, she continued, which we felt was bringing dishonour to us. I alone am responsible for shooting her; no one else is involved. I will surrender before the police."Investigators suspect the attack was aimed at preventing the woman from recording her statement before a magistrate in support of her partner, whom her family had accused of kidnapping. As she was an adult, her statement could have nullified the allegations.Police said Monty Kumar, a farmer, has been arrested, and efforts are on to nab the second accused. A case of murder has been registered.