File photo of Ankit Saxena

New Delhi: The bereaved family members and friends of photographer Ankit Saxena, Who was stabbed and killed by the family members of a Muslim woman he was in love with, on Monday condemned the act of the hate-mongers trying to give the murder a religious colour to incite communal violence in Delhi.

To silence communal forces and bolster communal harmony, Ankit's kin Saahil has launched a Facebook page urging people to rise above religion and not to be mute spectators so that what happened to Ankit does not happen to anyone else tomorrow.


Demanding justice for Ankit, Saahil told CNN-News 18: "The FB page is to ensure that this case doesn't go into cold storage. Netas are meeting now but they will stop coming soon. Through this page, we want to keep the movement alive. Our motto of launching this Facebook page is to sensitise people. There were many mute spectators. Had they helped, Ankit would have survived."

Ankit's family knew about the two and locals say they didn’t have a problem with the relationship. Shahana's family, however, were vehemently against the relationship.


When questioned if they have a message for hate mongers on social media, Ashish (another kin of Ankit) said that people should not communalise the murder case and rise above religious barriers.

"Before being a Hindu or a Muslim, we are humans first. That's the motto of this page. People should not communalise it," said Ashish.


Characterised by his long hair at one time and a jovial nature, Ankit was fondly known as 'Mowgli' in the locality. Everyone knew him and everyone loved him.

Recalling the incident, Ankit Saxena's childhood friend Ankit said, "Everything was peaceful...We didn't have a clue about this. There was no problem. He wanted to become a model/actor. Wanted to become a star and learn music through YouTube. He was a good musician too."

Ankit had been in love with Shahana (name changed) over the last two years, say police. Those in RG Nagar Block B, where Shahana lived, say they had been in a relationship for about 5-6 years.

Speaking about Ankit, Ankush Saxena said, "The girl used to stay next to Ankit'a home and they were childhood friends.”

Ankit's family has been instrumental in making sure that the area is peaceful. WhatsApp messages shared by Ankit’s family members say "Please don’t share this picture". The photograph is of Ankit's bloodied body with his throat slit open.