Youth kills mother and sisters, defends his action in chilling video: '...saved their honour'

Lucknow: The 24-year-old man accused of murdering his mother and four sisters in Lucknow has confessed in a chilling video that he committed the killings because he did not want his "sisters to be sold."

The youth, identified as Arshad, alleged that land mafia and neighbors in their hometown, Budaun, had taken over their house and intended to sell his sisters. He identified several individuals in the video, accusing them of being involved in the harassment and trafficking plans.

The victims were his mother, Asma, and sisters Alia (9), Alshia (19), Aksa (16), and Rahmeen (18). Arshad confessed on camera, saying, "Our family has taken this step due to harassment by people in the neighbourhood. I have killed my mother and sisters. When police get this video, they must know that the locals are responsible. They harassed us to capture our house."

He further claimed that his family had been living on the streets for 15 days after being displaced. Holding documents as evidence of their ownership, he accused the land mafia of spreading false rumors that his family were illegal immigrants.

In the video, Arshad described how he killed his family members by choking them and slitting their wrists, with assistance from his father. He showed the bodies on camera and expressed his belief that he too would die soon. "I may not be alive till the morning," he said, hinting at plans for suicide.

Arshad also stated that his family wanted to convert their religion to escape harassment and live peacefully. "We approached many people for help, but they did not help us. Now my sisters are dying and I will die in a short while. But no family in India should be forced to do this," he said, addressing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

He appealed for justice, demanding strict punishment for those he accused. Arshad alleged that the men he named in the video were connected to local leaders and police, enabling them to act with impunity.

The accused also stated that he wished for a temple to be built on their land and their belongings to be donated to an orphanage to bring peace to their souls. "Ensure they get justice. They struggled a lot today. We have saved their honour," he said.

Forensic teams have collected evidence from the location as investigations continue into this case.