Priya’s Untold Story: Through the Eyes of Her Friend Chanchal Choudhary

Priya is not alive to tell the true story. We do not have to share her pain. However, there is one person who can narrate what she went through. This person supported Priya and her daughter at every moment of their lives, and even now, when they are not among us, she is trying to get justice for them.

That person is Priya’s friend, Chanchal Choudhary. Priya shared every detail of her life with Chanchal until the last moment. She was aware of Shamshad’s behavior and knew that the person with whom her friend was living is capable of doing anything. Chanchal is the one who fought with society to get justice for her friend Priya. She made sure that her killer gets arrested, but even though there was ample evidence against Shamshad, the path to justice was not easy.

Chanchal is a 26-year-old woman who lives with her family. If society sees police circling a house every now and then, they will make stories. No one asked the real story behind so many visits by the police. The attitude of the society, the weak-kneed attitude of the administration, and the snail-like speed of the justice system almost broke her many times during the struggle.

When the media started to report Chanchal’s struggle, we tried to contact her. Chanchal’s narration of the story dug out countless skeletons that were more than enough to make anyone’s stomach churn. Priya’s story is one of those that are capable of breaking the myth that there is nothing like Love Jihad in this country.

Chanchal shared that Priya got divorced in 2012 and subsequently moved into her house in Modinagar as a tenant. Before long, Chanchal and Priya developed a strong friendship. Priya, who worked at a parlour, would often leave her daughter Kashish with Chanchal when she went to work. Chanchal and her family took care of Kashish during the day, and the little girl would return to her mother in the evening. Kashish quickly won everyone’s heart, cementing the bond between her and Chanchal as time went on.

Chanchal recalled how deeply Priya loved her daughter and frequently expressed concerns about her future. It was around this time, in 2012, that Shamshad reached out to Priya on Facebook using a fake ID, introducing himself as Amit Gurjar. He spun a web of lies that slowly ensnared Priya, gaining her trust and sharing lofty dreams of their future together. Priya believed him and gradually fell in love. He even promised to buy her a shop so she could open her own parlour, persuading her to quit her job.

According to Chanchal, Priya confided every detail to her, from her initial meetings with Shamshad, who she knew as Amit, to the harrowing realization of his true identity. In the beginning, everything seemed perfect; Shamshad took them shopping and out to eat at restaurants. In 2015, they got married in a temple under the pretense of this fabricated identity, and they began living together as husband and wife.

However, maintaining his fictitious persona became increasingly difficult for Shamshad after their marriage. Priya eventually discovered that the man she lived with was not Amit but Shamshad. She shared these distressing revelations with Chanchal, detailing how he was abusing her daily.

This news was as shocking to Chanchal as it was heartbreaking. Despite their efforts, there seemed to be no way out for them. Chanchal confronted Shamshad, pleading with him to cease his abusive behavior. Each time, Shamshad would break down, crying and apologizing for his actions, claiming that his family had wronged him and that he wished to make amends and do something positive for Priya. These emotional appeals, however, were merely another layer of deceit in a relationship built on falsehoods and manipulation.

Why Priya Lived with Shamshad After Learning the Truth?

The decision for Priya to continue her relationship with Shamshad was driven by a deep-seated fear of societal judgment. After already enduring the stigma of a divorce, she was terrified of how society might react if she separated from another man. More than her own reputation, Priya was profoundly concerned about the future of her daughter. She feared that society would make her daughter's life unbearable, believing that no one would accept her.

According to Chanchal, after their marriage, Shamshad moved their residence several times, trying to escape the judgmental eyes of their acquaintances. Despite warnings from her friends, who doubted Shamshad's fidelity, Priya clung to the hope of providing a father's name for her daughter, seeking some semblance of normalcy and stability for her.

Amidst these personal turmoils, Priya managed to purchase a house in Kashiram at an affordable price, where she and Shamshad settled. However, it was here that Shamshad’s more radical and controlling behaviors emerged starkly. When Priya went to work, Shamshad demeaned her, stating, “Women who work outside are prostitutes.” He also began policing Kashish’s attire and even attempted to halt her education, admonishing Priya about her daughter's clothes and pressuring her to dress Kashish more conservatively and to teach her Urdu instead of continuing her schooling.

Chanchal painfully recalled Priya's admissions that Shamshad was pressuring both her and Kashish to convert to Islam, insisting they attend Jamaat. Despite the intense pressure, Priya tried to resist, rationalizing against the need for conversion by pointing out that Kashish’s name was already Islamic. She maintained her stance, often dismissing his demands by saying, “Kashish’s name is already Islamic. There is no need to convert, and after all, you can call me anything out of love at home.”

This tragic story highlights the emotional and psychological torment Priya faced, trapped between her fears of societal rejection and the abusive manipulation from Shamshad. Her story is a poignant reminder of the deep-seated fears and vulnerabilities that can bind someone to a harmful relationship, all in the pursuit of societal acceptance and the well-being of a child.

Why Priya Lived with Shamshad After Learning the Truth?

The decision for Priya to continue her relationship with Shamshad was driven by a deep-seated fear of societal judgment. After already enduring the stigma of a divorce, she was terrified of how society might react if she separated from another man. More than her own reputation, Priya was profoundly concerned about the future of her daughter. She feared that society would make her daughter's life unbearable, believing that no one would accept her.

According to Chanchal, after their marriage, Shamshad moved their residence several times, trying to escape the judgmental eyes of their acquaintances. Despite warnings from her friends, who doubted Shamshad's fidelity, Priya clung to the hope of providing a father's name for her daughter, seeking some semblance of normalcy and stability for her.

Amidst these personal turmoils, Priya managed to purchase a house in Kashiram at an affordable price, where she and Shamshad settled. However, it was here that Shamshad’s more radical and controlling behaviors emerged starkly. When Priya went to work, Shamshad demeaned her, stating, “Women who work outside are prostitutes.” He also began policing Kashish’s attire and even attempted to halt her education, admonishing Priya about her daughter's clothes and pressuring her to dress Kashish more conservatively and to teach her Urdu instead of continuing her schooling.

Chanchal painfully recalled Priya's admissions that Shamshad was pressuring both her and Kashish to convert to Islam, insisting they attend Jamaat. Despite the intense pressure, Priya tried to resist, rationalizing against the need for conversion by pointing out that Kashish’s name was already Islamic. She maintained her stance, often dismissing his demands by saying, “Kashish’s name is already Islamic. There is no need to convert, and after all, you can call me anything out of love at home.”

This tragic story highlights the emotional and psychological torment Priya faced, trapped between her fears of societal rejection and the abusive manipulation from Shamshad. Her story is a poignant reminder of the deep-seated fears and vulnerabilities that can bind someone to a harmful relationship, all in the pursuit of societal acceptance and the well-being of a child.

During the lockdown, Shamshad intensified his manipulative tactics. Chanchal recounted, "Shamshad took full advantage of the lockdown. He tried to create differences between Priya and me. He tried to accuse me and turn Priya against me. He tried to stop her from meeting me. Still, she kept contact with me as she trusted me."

In one instance, after a particularly fierce argument, Shamshad attempted to manipulate Chanchal into a meeting. "Shamshad once called me to meet after a fight. I refused to go saying that he called me a bad person. Why would I meet him? He said that Priya has left went to Kashish’s school angrily. Please come quickly." Despite his efforts, Priya had already left the school when Chanchal arrived, having been fetched by Shamshad under false pretenses.

Chanchal carefully navigated these interactions to maintain Priya's trust. "I did not tell Priya that I was with Shamshad. Otherwise, she would have thought that I am under his influence." After escaping from another confrontation, Priya confided in Chanchal about the violence she faced, "Later, Priya called me from her neighbour’s house and told me about the fight. She told that Shamshad twister her arm and tried to strangulate her throat."

28 March 2020 to 30 March 2020 – Mother-Daughter’s Murder and Chanchal’s Suspicions

In the days leading up to their disappearance, the tension between Priya and Shamshad had escalated. "Priya started to complain to me about the fights before lockdown," Chanchal recalled. Despite Priya leaving with her daughter several times, Shamshad always managed to bring them back, each time offering apologies. Yet, the cycle of disputes continued unabated. On the 28th of March, the situation took a dark turn when Priya's phone suddenly went silent. "As I was in constant touch with her, I tried calling her several times. When no one answered, I thought her number is in the blacklist," Chanchal explained, her concern growing with each unanswered call.

In their last conversation, Priya expressed her increasing discomfort at Shamshad's behavior. "Priya had told me that Shamshad brings a lot of men to the house. They stay in the house. He also refused to believe that corona is spreading. It was getting hard for her to track who all are coming to her house," she said, recounting Priya's words. Priya had confronted Shamshad, "She told Shamshad that they live alone at the house, and it is not right for so many men to come here." Shamshad's response was dismissive and aggressive: "It is my house. I can bring anyone with me."

Alarmed by these developments, Chanchal decided she would speak to Shamshad. However, by the next day, all communications with Priya had ceased. Chanchal attempted to contact Shamshad, who casually mentioned he was out and promised to call back—a call that never came. Chanchal’s repeated attempts to reach Priya were futile, and Shamshad later claimed that "Priya is very angry and does not want to talk to anyone."

Driven by her growing suspicions, Chanchal reached out to Priya's neighbors on the 29th or 30th of March, whom Priya had provided numbers for emergencies. "When she called one of the neighbors, they told her that both Priya and Shamshad are not at home," increasing her alarm. She persuaded the neighbors to check on Priya’s house, and during a call on a neighbor’s phone, Shamshad was caught off-guard. "He got nervous and said, ‘she ran away with all the money after stabbing him.’" Chanchal challenged his implausible story, "To which I asked how he can stay calm after Priya stabbed him and ran away with the money." Shamshad's response was erratic and accusatory, "He started hurling abuses and said, ‘It is your trick. I understand everything. You are the reason behind all this. I will tell everyone.’" Chanchal, hearing such a fabricated tale from Shamshad, concluded the grim possibilities: "either he had sold them or killed them."

In a desperate attempt to mislead, Shamshad sent a deceptive message on 31st March from Priya's phone, which Chanchal recounted was supposedly written by Kashish. The message read, "Didi, we are safe wherever we are. We left the house after the accidentally stabbing daddy. We took the money. Please do not do anything; otherwise, we will be in great trouble." This message was designed to create an illusion of safety and voluntary departure, aiming to dissuade Chanchal from further inquiries and to shift any suspicion away from Shamshad.

Despite the message, Chanchal's resolve did not waver. "Chanchal kept on saying that Priya is her friend and she will call her even if she is in the last corner of the earth," she asserted, highlighting her unyielding dedication to finding the truth and supporting her friend, regardless of the circumstances.

As the days turned into weeks with no word from Priya, Chanchal's concern deepened. Finally, on 15th April, she approached the Pakharpur police station to file a complaint. However, the initial response was disheartening as "the police gave a clean chit to the accused Shamshad." Frustrated by the police's lack of action, Chanchal raised her voice against what she perceived as their irresponsible behavior.

The repercussions of her persistence were immediate. Police officers visited her home, attempting to convince Chanchal and her family to drop the matter. This police presence did not go unnoticed, as neighbors began to speculate about the reasons behind their visits. Chanchal found herself compelled to explain the situation to each inquisitive neighbor, yet these challenges did not deter her. "That did not stop her from visiting police stations so that they take some action in the case," she remained steadfast, determined to seek justice for Priya, despite facing social scrutiny and institutional obstacles.

Complaint Filed by Chanchal on 15th April

During a visit to the police station, Chanchal spotted Priya’s scooty parked outside. She immediately informed the officers, "She told them that the scooty belonged to Priya." Despite this clear piece of evidence, the police remained inactive, showing reluctance to delve deeper into the case. However, they proposed an investigation in Bihar, to which Chanchal responded affirmatively, "She said that she will help the police in every possible way and will visit Bihar as well."

As Chanchal's efforts to seek justice intensified, Shamshad grew increasingly threatened. He resorted to maligning her character, "He started to threaten her and said that he would tell people that she is a prostitute." Undeterred by his vile threats, Chanchal reached out to several Hindu organizations for support. Despite some groups accompanying her to the police station, their efforts seemed futile.

Driven to despair by the lack of progress and overwhelmed by the mental strain, Chanchal felt compelled to withdraw her complaint. On 2nd July, she signed a letter stating, "She does not want to pursue any further in this case as it is causing mental stress." Her hope for justice for her friend had dwindled, leaving her with nothing but prayers for Priya’s vindication.

A turn of events came on 12th July when Chanchal spoke with Manish Lohia from the RSS. This conversation reignited a flicker of hope. The developments that followed are now known to all. Reflecting on the cruelty Shamshad exhibited towards Priya, Chanchal remained haunted by the thoughts of Priya’s final moments. "She cannot stop thinking about how Shamshad can be so cruel to someone who lived with him for over five years. She loved him, took care of him, made sure he gets good food, and even then he killed her and her daughter." The harrowing image of Priya’s last moments, possibly looking helplessly at her daughter and thinking of Chanchal, weighed heavily on her.

In a conversation with OpIndia, Chanchal expressed her profound gratitude towards Manish, crediting him with bringing the truth of Shamshad’s atrocities to light. "Chanchal thanked Manish so many times during the conversation that OpIndia tried to learn his views on the incident." This gratitude underscored the pivotal role Manish played in reviving the pursuit of justice for Priya and Kashish, marking a crucial point in the case.

Manish's Conversation with OpIndia

In a revealing interview with OpIndia, Manish, an active advocate against Love Jihad since 2007 and associated with Dharma Jagran Samanvay of the RSS, described his involvement in the case. Previously aligned with Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal, he learned about the plight of Priya and her daughter through Chanchal and immediately reached out to her on 12th July. Initially, Chanchal, frustrated with past false assurances, was reluctant to engage. Manish reassured her, declaring, "He then assured her that she is his sister, and he will do everything in his power to help her." Encouraged, Chanchal detailed the previous failures in obtaining help, prompting Manish to act swiftly.

Within two days of their conversation, Manish contacted higher officials to escalate the matter. A fresh case was registered on 14th July, and Manish was informed that CO Bhupendra would oversee the investigation. Manish maintained constant communication with the CO, urging him to intensify surveillance and investigate the last known usage of Priya's phone. The increased pressure from various organizations catalyzed the administration's efforts, leading to Shamshad's arrest. However, after initial questioning, Shamshad was released.

The struggle continued as Manish supported Chanchal in gathering and organizing all the necessary evidence. As the investigation deepened, police were compelled to take Shamshad into custody once more. Under rigorous questioning, Shamshad finally broke down and confessed the truth.

Reflecting on the case, Manish criticized Shamshad's manipulative behavior towards Priya. He highlighted that Shamshad's decent conduct appeared solely motivated by his desire for physical relations. Otherwise, his behavior was confrontational and abusive. "He said that based on evidence, it is clear that Shamshad was regularly pressuring Priya to go to the mosque, recite Islamic prayers, and read Quran and followed strict Islamic customs." Manish pointed out Shamshad's deceitful portrayal as a member of the Gurjar community, which he used to marry Priya under false pretenses. "However, when Priya came to know about his reality, he started to force her to convert to Islam." Moreover, Manish expressed deep concern over Shamshad's treatment of Priya's daughter, who innocently called him daddy, suggesting he may have also abused her.

Manish's Conclusive Remarks on the Case

Manish firmly asserts that the tragic events surrounding Priya and her daughter represent a clear case of Love Jihad, orchestrated from the outset with the aim to convert Priya under deceitful pretenses. "If Islam is so pure, Shamshad would not have hidden his identity. He kept a name that belonged to a community that dominates the area," he pointed out, criticizing Shamshad's deceptive tactics to integrate himself into the community.

In a passionate plea, Manish emphasized the importance of raising awareness about such dangers. "It is my endeavour that more such cases come into the light so that girls become aware of men with such a mindset. If they feel that after leaving such a person where they will go, or they will get alone, they have to keep in mind that while living with such men, their life will be in danger. No one hides their identity for love. They hide their identity for religion. When the situation gets messed up, the girl thinks that where will she go?" His words reflect a deep concern for women's safety against coercive practices masquerading as romantic or marital relationships.

He further criticized the cultural restrictions imposed under the guise of tradition. "In today’s time, we talk about women’s freedom, but these people pressurize them to wear a burqa." Manish concluded with a strong call for justice: "We only want that Priya and her daughter get justice, and Shamshad gets the death penalty for his actions."

The police have made progress in the investigation into the horrific murder of Priya and her daughter. "So far, police have arrested Shamshad in the case. They are looking for his brother-in-law and his wife, among others," as it's alleged that his brother-in-law was present during the crime on the night of 28th March. The details of the crime are gruesome: "They murdered the mother-daughter duo, and on the 29th morning, Shamshad dug up an 8-feet deep pit in the bedroom to dump the two bodies. He sprinkled 20 packets of salt on both of them to ensure they get mummified quickly. He plastered the floor again so that no one gets suspicious."

Media reports suggest that Priya fought valiantly for her life. "According to some media reports, Priya tried a lot to save herself. She not only scratched Shamshad with nails but also attacked him using a knife from the kitchen. When Shamshad’s wrist got cut with the knife, he got angry and strangled Priya. She could not breathe and died on the spot. Then Shamshad murdered Kashish in the bedroom by suffocating her using a pillow." The tragic events unfolded around midnight on 28-29 March.

Initially, Shamshad was reticent during the police investigation. "Shamshad did not tell anything at first. But later when he asked for how long he had to stay in the police station, the inspector replied he could leave once they find mother and daughter. Then Shamshad told the police that he had killed them and they are buried in his bedroom." This chilling confession marks a significant breakthrough in the case, providing a sorrowful closure to the tragic tale of Priya and her daughter.

The initial skepticism of the police was overcome when Shamshad consistently insisted on the horrifying reality of his actions. "The police did not believe him at first, but when he kept repeating it, the police decided to visit his house at around 4 AM." Upon their arrival, they excavated the indicated area in the bedroom and uncovered a chilling scene: "They dug up the said location in the bedroom and recovered two skeletons in pieces." The police later released a video showing the grim recovery process, where officers could be seen retrieving the skeletal remains, a stark testament to the brutal end Priya and her daughter faced.

Shamshad's Escape and Re-arrest

In a dramatic turn of events, Shamshad momentarily evaded justice. "Reports suggest that Shamshad escaped from police custody on Wednesday." However, his freedom was short-lived as he was apprehended following a police encounter. "The police later arrested him after an encounter. He was shot in his both legs." After being subdued, Shamshad was taken to the district hospital to receive treatment for his injuries, ensuring he remained in custody.

The investigation into the motives behind the murder has unraveled multiple layers. "It is alleged that Shamshad was already married and his wife’s name was Afsana. He had three kids with her." The conflict over property emerged as a significant point of contention. "She came to Meerut some time ago to claim Shamshad’s property in Bhud Bharal, but Priya wanted the said property on her name for a safe future."

The night of the murder was marked by a severe altercation over financial issues. "They both used to fight a lot, and there was a fight between them on that night as well. The argument was over a transaction of Rs.3 lakh, and it escalated at around 10 PM." As Priya was preparing dinner, the disagreement took a deadly turn: "Priya was cutting vegetables when Shamshad tried to attack her. After his hand got injured by the knife, he strangled her." Following her death by suffocation, Shamshad's rage continued unabated as he mutilated her body. "When she died due to suffocation, he stabbed her dead body several times before throwing it in the bathroom." After committing the heinous act, Shamshad sought medical attention for his injuries, "Then he went to a doctor to get stitches." This series of events not only paints a picture of a deeply troubled and violent individual but also highlights the tragic circumstances that led to the untimely demise of Priya and her young daughter.

In the ongoing investigation into this harrowing case, police have made additional arrests, including a man named Nakul Sharma. Nakul was apprehended after a video in which he was heard stating "he will pay 1 lakh to save Shamshad" went viral. This revelation indicated Nakul's involvement in aiding Shamshad, both in misleading the police and in attempting to erase all evidence connected to the murders. "He was arrested after his name appeared during the investigation."

Disturbingly, during the course of their investigation, authorities uncovered that Shamshad had also plotted to eliminate Chanchal, who had been instrumental in bringing the case to light. "Police found that Shamshad planned to kill Chanchal too. Two men were helping him in the planning." This revelation came amidst reports of inadequate police response to Chanchal’s earlier complaints, where instead of diligently searching for Priya, some officers maligned Chanchal's character and dismissed her concerns.

The police department has begun taking actions against their own, as the initial inaction and misconduct of certain officers came under scrutiny. "SHO, inspector, and sub-inspector are under investigation for inaction in the case." Notably, Inspector Veer Singh, who behaved inappropriately towards Chanchal, was suspended on Friday. "SSP made it clear that anyone who is found guilty will face strict action." Additionally, there are considerations to further escalate the legal pressure on Shamshad, with potential charges under the National Security Act depending on ongoing investigative findings.

Further tarnishing the police's reputation in handling the case was an incident involving Inspector Veer Singh. "The inspector who used to call Chanchal late night around 12 AM has been suspended." Instead of focusing on the case during these calls, he reportedly attempted to engage in personal conversations with her, behavior that was widely criticized and led to his suspension after audio recordings of these conversations surfaced on social media.

The case continues to unfold, drawing attention to both the severity of the crime and the subsequent failures and corrective actions within the law enforcement community.