The quiet village of Inam Veerapur in Dharwad district, Karnataka, has become the epicentre of a shocking crime that has reignited the debate on caste violence and honour killings in the state. The alleged murder of 20-year-old Manya Patil, who was six months pregnant, by her own father and relatives for marrying a Dalit man, Vivekananda Dhoddamani, has sent waves of outrage and grief across the region.
A Friendship Betrayed, A Dream Shattered
For 22-year-old Vivekananda, the most bewildering aspect of the tragedy is the long-standing friendship between the two families. "Manya's father and my father had been friends for a long time," says Vivekananda, his voice trembling with emotion. This history makes the violent turn of events incomprehensible to him. He had dreamt of a future where his child would play with Manya's father. "I never thought that caste could make a father kill his own daughter," he states, encapsulating the brutal reality of the incident.
The couple, both from the same village, fell in love three years ago. Despite belonging to different castes—Manya was from the Lingayat community and Vivekananda from the Dalit Madiga community—Vivekananda says he never witnessed overt discrimination while growing up. Their secret relationship continued until a year ago when Manya's father, Prakashgouda Patil, discovered it and began pressuring her.
Faced with harassment and an arranged marriage, the couple eloped, got married at a temple, and legally registered their union. When Prakashgouda filed a missing person complaint, they appeared before the police, asserting their adult status and mutual consent. Even then, Vivekananda recalls, Patil threatened them in front of the authorities. "We felt it was a normal reaction, made in the heat of the moment. I thought he would accept us with time," Vivekananda lamented.
The Brutal Attack and Statewide Repercussions
The situation reached a horrific climax on December 21. The couple was in Inam Veerapur to update Manya's Aadhaar card to include Vivekananda's name as her husband. While Vivekananda was away, Prakashgouda Patil along with relatives Veeranagouda Patil and Arunagouda Patil allegedly barged into his parents' home. They attacked Manya as well as Vivekananda's parents. By the time Vivekananda returned, it was too late. Manya and her unborn child were killed.
The incident has provoked widespread condemnation. Dalit organisations held protests, while Lingayat groups observed a 'Repentance Day' to distance themselves from the heinous act. The three accused are under arrest, charged with murder and under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Responding to the public fury, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on January 4 announced decisive steps. He promised a fast-track court for a speedy trial and the appointment of a private prosecutor to prevent delays. Furthermore, he stated that his government would discuss enacting a special law to curb honour killings.
Administrative Action and a Village Divided
In the aftermath, the district administration has heightened security in Inam Veerapur to prevent caste-based reprisals. Dharwad SP Gunjan Arya informed that eight CCTV cameras have been installed and are being monitored. Round-the-clock security has been provided to Vivekananda and his family. The police have also held peace meetings with villagers and engaged with a local seer to promote harmony.
The case has also exposed lapses in policing. Two constables from the Hubballi Rural Police Station were suspended for negligence, as they "should have been aware" of the potential for such an attack following the family's earlier threats.
The social boycott faced by the couple after their marriage highlights the deep-seated prejudices. The village, where 60% are Lingayats and only six houses belong to the Dalit Madiga community, cut off all interaction with Vivekananda's family. The couple had moved to Haveri town for safety, returning only for monthly hospital visits during Manya's pregnancy.
Adding a layer of tragic irony, Vivekananda reveals he is well-versed in Lingayat rituals, having received Linga Deeksha (initiation) as a child. His family follows the principles of Basavanna, the founder of Lingayat belief, and is vegetarian. This shared cultural space makes the violence rooted solely in caste identity even more stark and heartbreaking.
The murder of Manya Patil is a grim reminder that despite progress, the spectre of caste can still dictate life and death in modern India, tearing apart friendships, families, and futures.
