In the case of dishonour killings, when couples face the risk of death for crossing boundaries of caste or religion, it is the community or family which is seen as the oppressor, and against whom the state is meant to intervene. But as we investigated a case in Lucknow, another aspect of the chilling reality in such issues was highlighted - where the state, the police and lower judiciary, far from being protectors, can be part of the problem.