Did a Father Really Kill His Daughter Over an Inter-Caste Affair?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Honour killings continue to be a pressing issue in certain communities.
- The case highlights the societal pressures surrounding inter-caste relationships.
- Education and awareness are essential to combat such tragedies.
- The involvement of law enforcement is critical in addressing these crimes.
- Family dynamics can lead to extreme actions in the name of honour.
Kalaburagi, Aug 30 (NationPress) In what appears to be a shocking case of honour killing, a man has been accused of murdering his daughter and subsequently burning her body due to her inter-caste relationship in Karnataka's Kalaburagi district.
The tragic event unfolded in Melakunda village within Kalaburagi taluk, falling under the jurisdiction of the Farhatabad police.
The suspect, named Shankar Kolkur, has been taken into custody.
Authorities are currently pursuing two additional suspects, Sharanu and Dattappa, who allegedly aided him in this heinous act.
The victim, Kavitha, an 18-year-old student from the Lingayat community, was in her second year of pre-university education (Class 12).
Kavitha was commuting to Kalaburagi city for her studies and had developed a relationship with Malappa Poojari, a young man from the Kuruba community residing in the same village.
Approximately four months ago, her family uncovered her relationship and prohibited her from attending college.
During this period, Kavitha confronted her parents, declaring she would only marry Malappa and would elope if they did not consent.
Despite her family's opposition and threats, Kavitha remained resolute in her decision to marry her beloved.
According to law enforcement, her father, Shankar, alongside two relatives, strangled her to death. They then attempted to disguise her death as a result of pesticide consumption. Afterwards, they transported her remains to a relative's farm and incinerated her.
Upon learning of the incident, the police swiftly arrived at the scene and apprehended Shankar. A suo motu case has been initiated.
Kalaburagi Police Commissioner D. S. Sharanappa and other senior officials conducted a site visit.
The incident has ignited tensions in the village, prompting further investigations by the police.
Kavitha's mother, Mallmma, revealed that her husband, Kolkur, had recently overcome a 20-year battle with alcohol addiction but resumed drinking upon discovering their daughter's inter-caste relationship.
Mallmma stated, "Kavitha was determined to marry the man from a family that had not been on good terms with us."