Hubballi (Karnataka), Dec 22 (NationPress) Expressing his profound grief over the tragic honour killing of his wife, Manya Patil, who was seven months pregnant and brutally murdered by her father and relatives, husband Vivekananda recounted their peaceful family life, lamenting that such an incident should have never occurred.

Vivekananda firmly stated he would not let the accused escape justice and demanded the death sentence for them.

The heinous act took place in the Hubballi taluk of Karnataka, allegedly executed by her father and other family members due to her marriage to a man from a different caste. Authorities have arrested her father and two accomplices in connection with this case.

Reflecting on their love story, Vivekananda shared, “We were in love for two years. In May, we eloped. My wife confided that her family was tormenting her and she wished to marry me. Despite her coming with me, they reported her missing. After our wedding, we visited the police station, provided our statements, and returned home.”

“We then moved to Haveri, staying at my uncle's residence. After learning of her pregnancy, I took her for regular medical appointments. I had raised concerns with Superintendent of Police Gunjan Arya regarding threats from my wife's family seeking revenge. He assured me of our safety and summoned them to the police station, where her father and relatives claimed to have considered their daughter deceased and promised not to trouble us,” he recounted.

“Previously, they had attempted to run over my father with a tractor and tried to hit me with a vehicle, but I managed to evade them. They also attacked my mother, father, and uncle during a home invasion. They must face the ultimate punishment,” Vivekananda asserted.

“My sister was present at home. We were living harmoniously as a family and had done no wrong. We refrained from seeing them, respecting their feelings about our marriage. No one came to our aid when the tragedy occurred. They arrived armed with axes and murdered my wife. I will ensure they are punished under the law,” he stated emphatically.

“She was a wonderful wife, and we shared a loving relationship. My parents treated her as if she were their own child,” Vivekananda added.

Vivekananda’s maternal aunt, Jayashree, called for justice, saying, “For marrying their daughter, they committed this atrocious crime and attacked our family. They slaughtered her like an animal. Does our community have no honor? They belong to a so-called superior caste, while we are deemed lower. Our son was hesitant, yet the girl insisted on the marriage. Is that wrong?” she questioned.

Meanwhile, Dharwad Superintendent of Police Gunjan Arya confirmed that the brutal incident occurred in Inam Veerapura village of Hubballi taluk on Sunday evening.

“The assailants attacked Manya Patil at her husband's home using a sprinkler pipe and an axe, inflicting severe head injuries. Manya’s father-in-law and mother-in-law were also hurt during the assault. The attack happened around 6.30 p.m., and she succumbed to her injuries by 9.30 p.m. Police apprehended the suspects within hours, filed an FIR, and have initiated a thorough investigation,” he stated.

Authorities indicated that Manya Patil, a Lingayat, wed Vivekananda, a Dalit. Both hailed from the same village, having developed their bond during their graduation studies. Their relationship blossomed via Instagram, leading to their marriage on June 19 at the registrar’s office in Hubballi.

Initial investigations revealed that Manya had previously threatened to take her own life if Vivekananda did not marry her. After their wedding, police intervened, bringing both families together for a compromise. Manya and Vivekananda relocated to Haveri but returned to their village on December 8, believing their relationship would now be accepted due to Manya's pregnancy.

However, tensions reignited between the families. Hubballi Rural police once again mediated, urging both sides to maintain peace. Yet, Manya Patil’s father and relatives allegedly stormed their home, resulting in her brutal murder.

Manya’s husband, Vivekananda, was unharmed, while his parents are currently receiving medical treatment. The investigation is ongoing.