In a significant development in a shocking honour killing case, the Hubballi rural police have now arrested a total of six individuals, including the father of the victim. The arrests are linked to the brutal murder of Manya Patil, a young woman killed for marrying a Dalit youth.
Father Among Six Family Members Arrested
The police made three additional arrests on Tuesday, bringing the total number of accused in custody to six. All the arrested individuals are relatives of the deceased Manya Patil and hail from Inam Veerapur village. The list of those now in police custody includes Prakashgouda Patil (Manya's father), Arungouda Patil, Veeranna Patil, Fakirgouda Patil, Basanagouda Patil, and Gurusiddagouda Patil.
Manya Patil was murdered on Sunday evening in a case that has sent shockwaves across the region. The police investigation reveals the murder was a direct consequence of her marriage to Vivekanand Doddamani, a youth from the Dalit community.
Planned Attack on Husband's Family Foiled
According to police statements, the investigation has uncovered a chilling plot. The arrested persons have allegedly admitted that they initially planned to murder Vivekanand Doddamani and his parents. When they failed in that attempt, they turned their violence towards their own family member, Manya Patil.
"We are looking for other accused persons," stated the police, noting that Doddamani's complaint named about 20 people, most of whom were unknown to him. The police probe remains active as they pursue the remaining suspects.
In a related update, sources at the KMC-RI hospital indicated that among the six people injured during the incident, one remains in critical condition. The others are reportedly recovering.
Dalit Organisations Demand Justice and Legislative Action
The brutal killing has triggered strong condemnation from Dalit organisations. A coalition, the Dalit Mahamandal, has denounced the honour killing and the ongoing atrocities against Dalits in Veerapur village.
They have called on the state government to implement stringent legal measures to prevent such tragedies. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Gurunath Ullikashi, the state president of Samata Sene, issued a powerful demand. He announced readiness to launch a fierce struggle to ensure the implementation of the ‘Prohibition of Honour Killing Act’, dedicating the fight to the memory of the murdered pregnant woman.
Ullikashi stated he would give the state government a deadline to enact this law in the coming legislative session, asserting that such an act could curb inhumane murders and assaults. Beyond legal measures, he also demanded comprehensive support for the victim's family.
The demands for justice include:
- Providing at least 10 acres of land and a government job to Manya's husband, Vivekanand Doddamani.
- Ensuring free education for the children of Dalit atrocity victims.
- Securing government jobs for the affected families.
The case continues to highlight the severe social challenges posed by caste-based violence and honour killings in the region, putting pressure on authorities for swift justice and systemic reform.
