Karnataka Court Sentences Brothers and Uncles to Death in Honour Killing Case
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Synopsis
In a landmark ruling, a Karnataka court sentenced four men to death for their roles in the honour killing of Ramesh Madara and Gangamma Rathod, who were attacked following their inter-caste marriage. The brutal incident raised significant human rights concerns and led to scrutiny of local law enforcement.
Key Takeaways
- Four men sentenced to death for honour killing.
- The victims were attacked due to their inter-caste marriage.
- The brutal crime occurred in Lakkalakati village.
- Karnataka State Human Rights Commission criticized the government.
- Orphaned children are to receive government support.
Gadag (Karnataka), Jan 30 (NationPress) The Gadag District and Sessions Court in Karnataka sentenced four men to death on Thursday after they were found guilty of an honour killing. The men had ruthlessly attacked and murdered a couple, Ramesh Madara and Gangamma Rathod, due to their inter-caste marriage.
The convicted are Shivappa Rathod, Ravikumar Rathod, Ramesh Rathod, and Parashurama Rathod, all kin of the victim, Gangamma Rathod. Ravikumar and Ramesh were Gangamma’s brothers, while Shivappa and Parashurama were her paternal uncles. Notably, Parashurama worked as a driver for the RTC.
This heinous act occurred in Lakkalakati village, near Gajendragarh in Gadag district, when the couple returned to their hometown to celebrate Diwali. Gangamma’s brothers forcibly entered their home, dragged them outside, and savagely hacked them to death before their children. The assailants used knives, sharp instruments, stones, and sticks in broad daylight, sending shockwaves through the state. The police subsequently apprehended the suspects.
The crime transpired on November 6, 2019. Ramesh Madara’s family lodged a complaint at the Gajendragarh police station. Authorities registered a case under various IPC sections including 427 (mischief causing damage), 449 (house trespass with intent to commit a serious crime), 302 (murder), and 506(2) (criminal intimidation involving severe threats). Following the investigation, a charge sheet was presented against the accused.
The victims, aged 24 and 29, fell in love and married on April 2, 2017, at the sub registrar’s office. Gangamma belonged to the Banjara community, while Ramesh hailed from the Scheduled Caste community.
Despite parental opposition, the couple relocated to Shivamogga and established their life there.
They had two children, a three-year-old son and a two-month-old daughter.
The Karnataka State Human Rights Commission recently criticized the state government for failing to submit the Action Taken Report (ATR) concerning this case.
The Registrar of the State Human Rights Commission cautioned P. Manivannan, Principal Secretary of the Social Welfare Department, emphasizing that this oversight would be treated seriously.
The Commission highlighted a violation of Section E of the Human Rights Act 1993.
They demanded a report regarding the welfare of the orphaned children post the tragic loss of their parents. Additionally, they inquired if local law enforcement could have averted the incident and whether the children’s human rights were being upheld.
The Commission also issued a notice to the SP questioning why police personnel should not be held accountable for their failure to prevent the couple’s murder. They consistently sought updates on initiatives to safeguard the educational rights of the children and ensure their protection.
Following the Commission’s reprimand, the government announced that the orphaned children would receive various government benefits and that their educational rights would be legally protected.
