Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has declared that ensuring swift justice in the alleged honour killing of a pregnant young woman is the state government's top priority. He announced plans to establish a fast-track court for the case and introduce a new Bill to curb such crimes.
The Tragic Incident in Hubballi
The victim, identified as 20-year-old Manya Patil from the Lingayat community, was allegedly murdered by her relatives on December 21, 2025. The shocking crime took place in Inam Veerapur village within Hubballi taluk of Dharwad district. According to reports, Manya was attacked by her father and two other relatives while she was working in a field.
The motive behind the killing was her marriage to a Dalit youth seven months prior. Manya was pregnant at the time of her death, adding a further layer of tragedy to the atrocity.
Government's Swift Action and Legal Measures
In a post on social media platform X, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah outlined the government's response. He stated that since the case falls under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, a chargesheet must be filed within a strict 60-day deadline.
"Our priority is to take up the case for speedy trial and to ensure justice for the victim. Accordingly, the government will take steps to establish a fast-track court," Siddaramaiah said. He further revealed that steps have been initiated to appoint a private prosecutor to handle the case.
The Chief Minister condemned the act, calling forced marriage, caste-based violence, and honour killings "heinous acts that bring shame to the entire human society."
A New Law to Prevent Future Crimes
Looking beyond this single case, Siddaramaiah announced a legislative initiative aimed at prevention. A special Bill will be introduced in the upcoming session of the state legislature to curb such honour-based crimes and create public awareness about the existing laws.
"This matter will be discussed in the upcoming session of the legislature, and an appropriate decision will be taken," he affirmed, signaling the government's intent to address the social evil through stronger legal frameworks.
A Disturbing Pattern in Karnataka
Manya Patil's murder is not an isolated incident in Karnataka. It was among three separate cases of honour killings reported in the state in 2025 alone, highlighting a persistent social malady.
In April 2025, a 17-year-old girl from the Kuruba community was allegedly killed by her father in Raichur after she eloped with a boy from the Scheduled Caste community.
In September 2025, an 18-year-old Lingayat girl named Kavita was also allegedly murdered by her father over her relationship with a youth from the Kuruba community.
These repeated incidents underscore the urgent need for the combined efforts of stringent legal action, as promised by the CM, and sustained societal change to eradicate caste-based violence and honour killings.
