Tragic Murder of Pregnant Woman in Karnataka Linked to Inter-Caste Marriage
Murder of Manya Dhoddamani Shocks Community
A 20-year-old pregnant woman was reportedly killed by her father and relatives in the Dharwad district of Karnataka on Sunday due to her inter-caste marriage to a Dalit man, as reported by local news sources.
The victim, Manya Dhoddamani, was six months pregnant and had wed Vivekananda Dhoddamani in May. The incident occurred in Inam Veerapur village, located in the Hubballi Rural taluk.
Authorities from the Hubballi Rural Police confirmed the arrest of three individuals in connection with the murder: Manya's father, Prakashgouda Patil, along with relatives Veeranagouda Patil and Arunagouda Patil.
Manya was a member of the Lingayat community, according to reports.
The couple had married against the wishes of Manya's family and had been residing in Haveri district.
An unnamed police official stated that Manya and Vivekananda had been in a relationship for several years and decided to marry at a sub-registrar’s office in May after facing family opposition.
Following their marriage, Manya's parents had threatened to set fire to Vivekananda's home, prompting police intervention.
After their wedding, the couple sought police protection, and a meeting was held to address the family's threats against them.
On December 8, they returned to Inam Veerapur to gather necessary documents for Manya's hospital admission for delivery.
On the evening of the incident, while Manya was working on a farm, her father and relatives allegedly attacked her with iron rods, as stated by Dharwad Superintendent of Police Gunjan Arya.
Vivekananda's mother, Renavva, and a relative named Subhash were also assaulted while trying to help Manya.
All victims were rushed to a private hospital in Hubballi, where Manya later died from her injuries. Police reported that another group attempted to assault Vivekananda, who managed to escape and reach a police station.
He and his relatives are currently receiving medical treatment.
A murder case has been filed at the Hubballi Rural police station, and investigations are ongoing.