In a shocking incident that has sparked outrage, a 20-year-old pregnant woman was brutally murdered in what police suspect is a case of honour killing. The crime occurred on Sunday in Inam Veerapur village, located in Karnataka's Dharwad district.
Family's Fatal Assault Over Inter-Caste Marriage
The victim, identified as Manya Patil, was seven months pregnant. She had married Vivekanand Doddamani, a youth from the Dalit community, earlier this year in May 2025. The marriage was solemnized at a Hubballi rural police station, as the couple feared a violent reaction from Manya's family, who belong to the Lingayat community.
Despite strong objections from her parents, Manya went ahead with the union. Police officials, including Dharwad SP Gunjan Arya, revealed that attempts were made to counsel Manya's parents, but their opposition to the inter-caste marriage remained firm and hostile.
A Brutal Attack and Ensuing Violence
On the day of the incident, the situation turned deadly. According to police reports, Manya's father, Prakashgouda, along with other family members, allegedly assaulted her with pipes. The attack caused severe head injuries, leading to her death.
The violence did not stop there. In a further escalation, Manya's family members also allegedly attacked the family of the Dalit youth, Vivekanand. His father, mother, and other relatives were assaulted, intensifying the communal tension in the village.
Arrests and Widespread Condemnation
Following the murder, police swiftly took action and arrested three individuals: Manya's father, Prakashgouda, and two other family members. The killing has been widely condemned by Dalit activists and community leaders.
In a powerful display of protest, Dalit activists staged a sit-in with Manya's body, demanding justice and highlighting the persistent issue of caste-based violence and honour killings in the region. The case has once again brought the grim reality of caste prejudices and violence against women into sharp focus.
