India, Dec. 1 -- A 20-year-old man was brutally killed in Maharashtra's Nanded district in what police believe to be an honour killing driven by caste opposition.

The victim, Saksham Tate, was allegedly assaulted, shot, and his head crushed with a stone by the family of his girlfriend, police said.

According to investigators, Tate had been in a relationship with Aanchal for nearly three years. The two met through her brothers and grew close during her frequent visits to his home.

When Aanchal's brothers and father learned of their plans, the men allegedly attacked and killed Tate on Thursday.

At Tate's funeral, a grieving and defiant Aanchal arrived at his home, performed traditional rituals, and declared herself his wife.

"Our love ...