BBC News, December 7, 2011

Afghan student killed in India “over love for Hindu”

Local police deny it is a case of honour killing, but say they believe the attack concerned the relationship

Hamidullah had tattooed his girlfriend's name on his neck. (Photo: BBC News)

An Afghan student has been killed in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh over a relationship with a Hindu girl, police say.

Hamidullah, 22, who had tattooed his girlfriend's name, Monica, on his neck, was shot dead. His friend Naseer was injured in the attack.

Hamidullah had just received his management degree and was due to fly home to Afghanistan in a few days.

Police are looking for the girl's brother and his friend, Fahim.

The incident took place in Meerut town on Saturday night.

Local police deny it is a case of honour killing, but say they believe the attack concerned the relationship.

Reports say Hamidullah received a call at around 19:30 [14:00 GMT]. He went with Naseer to meet the callers and was shot.

Hamidullah's parents have arrived in Meerut and the body has been handed over to them after a post-mortem examination was carried out, police said.

The friend, Naseer, is recovering in hospital.

Characters Count: 1485