Police in Uttar Pradesh’s Moradabad have taken into custody a young man accused of killing his twin sister and attempting to murder his mother in a deeply disturbing incident that occurred shortly after the siblings had returned home to celebrate Holi. The accused, identified as Hardik, was apprehended on March 7 following a search operation after he fled the scene of the crime.
During questioning, investigators said Hardik confessed to carrying out the attack in a sudden burst of rage. He told police that he had been emotionally distressed for months after a breakup with a woman he had met through Instagram. According to officials, he said the failed relationship pushed him into depression and led him to irrationally blame his family members for its collapse.
Hardik reportedly explained that he had developed feelings for a woman from Pune after connecting with her on social media, and that their relationship lasted several months before ending about seven months ago. He claimed the separation deeply affected his mental state. Over time, he began believing that his mother, Neelima, and his twin sister, Himshikha, were responsible for the breakup, despite their efforts to comfort him.
Police said Hardik told them that he lost control of his emotions during an argument and grabbed a large kitchen knife in a moment of uncontrolled anger. He allegedly entered a room and stabbed his sister repeatedly. When his mother rushed in after hearing the commotion, he attacked her as well before fleeing the house.
The incident took place in Buddhi Vihar Colony under the jurisdiction of the Majhola police station in Moradabad. Neelima, who works as an assistant manager at a health insurance company in the city, lived there with her twin children. Hardik and Himshikha had been residing in Gurugram for work and had come home for the Holi festival, planning to return shortly afterward.
Investigators said the siblings were alone at home when the violence erupted. Police believe Himshikha had tried to counsel her brother and persuade him to move on from the relationship, which may have triggered the confrontation. During the assault, she sustained multiple stab injuries and collapsed inside the house.
Neelima rushed to the scene after hearing her daughter’s screams and was confronted with the horrific sight of her injured child. She too was stabbed several times by Hardik before he escaped. Her cries for help alerted neighbours, who rushed in and immediately contacted emergency services.
Both victims were transported to the district hospital by ambulance. Doctors declared Himshikha dead on arrival due to the severity of her injuries. Neelima, who had suffered around six stab wounds, was admitted for treatment and later reported to be out of danger.
Medical examination findings underscored the brutality of the crime. The postmortem report stated that Himshikha had sustained more than 40 stab wounds, indicating an extremely violent and frenzied attack.
Himshikha was an educated professional who had completed a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and was working as an assistant manager at an IT company while pursuing her MBA. Hardik had completed a BTech degree and previously worked at Google. About a year ago, he reportedly left his job and began working independently as a YouTuber.
Police said family members described a noticeable change in Hardik’s behaviour after the breakup. He reportedly became increasingly irritable and aggressive, often blaming his mother and sister for interfering in his personal life.
Authorities have registered a murder case against Hardik. He has been produced before a court and remanded to judicial custody as further investigation continues.
