In a shocking incident that has sent shockwaves across Karnataka, a 20-year-old pregnant woman was brutally murdered in what police suspect is a case of honour killing. The tragic event unfolded in Inam Veerapur village of Dharwad district on Sunday night, stemming from the victim's marriage to a Dalit youth against her family's wishes.
A Love Story Met with Fatal Opposition
The deceased, identified as Manya Patil, was seven months pregnant at the time of her killing. She had married Vivekanand Doddamani earlier this year in May 2025, despite strong objections from her family, who belong to the Lingayat community. The couple had solemnised their marriage at the Hubballi Rural police station. Friends revealed that the couple met on Instagram and their relationship blossomed over two years before they decided to marry.
"When Manya’s parents opposed the relationship, she made it clear that she could not live without Vivekanand. She even threatened to end her life if he delayed their marriage," friends stated. Vivekanand recounted that they married on June 19 and that harassment from Manya's family continued afterwards. When her parents filed a missing person complaint, the couple informed police they were legally married.
The Brutal Assault and Aftermath
According to police, the fatal attack occurred on Sunday night. Manya's father, Prakashgouda, along with relatives Arun and Veeranna, allegedly assaulted her with sprinkler pipes, causing severe head injuries. She was rushed to a private hospital in Hubballi but succumbed to her injuries later that night. Following her death, police arrested her father and the two other accused family members.
The violence did not stop with Manya. Police authorities reported that her family members also attacked Vivekanand’s father, mother, and other relatives, sparking further tension in the village. Superintendent of police Gunjan Arya stated that while the exact motive and sequence of events would be clarified after a thorough probe, initial findings strongly suggest that caste-related opposition led to the murder.
Protests and Calls for Justice
The killing triggered immediate outrage and protests. Condemning the heinous act, Dalit activists staged a dharna at Ambedkar Circle in Hubballi on Monday. In a powerful display of protest, they placed Manya's body at the site, demanding swift justice for Vivekanand and his family. Security personnel were swiftly deployed at Inam Veerapur village and KMC RI on Sunday night to prevent any further unrest.
District in-charge minister Santosh Lad strongly condemned the killing. "We are shocked to learn of the heinous murder of a pregnant woman. The poison of casteism has taken a life. The offenders will face severe punishment," he stated. The case highlights the persistent and deadly challenges faced by inter-caste couples in parts of India, despite legal protections and repeated police counselling attempts. Police confirmed they had made multiple attempts to counsel Manya's parents to prevent any drastic actions, but the opposition persisted.
Vivekanand’s aunt, Jayashree Doddamani, claimed that seven to eight members of the Patil family began searching for Doddamani family members on Sunday evening, which culminated in the fatal assault on Manya. Manya was pursuing a degree at a private college in Varur, while Vivekanand was studying at a college in Hubballi. The community now awaits the outcome of the police investigation as calls for justice grow louder.
