A seemingly innocuous social media birthday wish turned into a horrific crime in Karnataka, leading to the brutal murder of a 21-year-old man. The victim, identified as Manjunath from Tarikere taluk in Chikkamagaluru district, was allegedly stabbed to death by his former girlfriend's brother and her fiancé. The trigger was a birthday post he shared on Instagram and WhatsApp using photos of the woman, who was engaged to be married to another man.
The Fatal Confrontation Near the Underpass
According to police reports, the incident unfolded on Wednesday night. The woman's brother, Kiran, allegedly called Manjunath and asked him to meet near an underpass road. Around 7:45 PM, a confrontation ensued. The woman's fiancé, Venu, confronted Manjunath about the birthday post. Venu reportedly questioned Manjunath for using her photos on social media and said if he wanted to marry her, he should have approached the family formally. Manjunath allegedly responded that he had no intention of marrying her.
This exchange quickly turned violent. Kiran, the brother, allegedly attacked Manjunath with a knife. He stabbed the 21-year-old multiple times before fleeing the scene with the others. Critically injured, Manjunath was rushed to the Tarikere government hospital and later referred to a facility in Shivamogga for advanced treatment. However, he succumbed to his injuries around 12:10 AM on Thursday.
Police Action and Legal Charges
The Chikkamagaluru police acted swiftly, registering a case and arresting four individuals in connection with the murder. The accused have been identified as Kiran (the woman's brother), Venu (her fiancé), Appu, and Manu, all residents of Tarikere town.
Authorities have booked the suspects under relevant sections of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The charges include Section 352 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace) and the more severe Section 103(1), which pertains to murder. A police officer stated that the accused would be taken into police custody for further investigation to uncover all details of the pre-meditated attack.
A Tragic Outcome of a Social Media Gesture
This shocking incident highlights how personal disputes, amplified by social media interactions, can escalate into extreme violence. The case has sent ripples through the local community in Tarikere, raising concerns about cyber conduct and real-world repercussions. The police probe will now focus on establishing the complete sequence of events, the planning behind the attack, and the motives of all involved. The tragedy underscores the fatal consequences of failing to resolve personal conflicts through lawful and peaceful means.
