Karnataka: Dalit Student Takes Her Life After Alleged Harassment by Minority Community Member; BJP and Hindu Activists Call for Action

Haveri, April 19 (NationPress) A tragic incident involving the suicide of a Dalit college student, allegedly due to harassment by a man from a minority community, has been reported in Haveri district, Karnataka on Saturday.

The victim has been named Shilpa (22), residing in Chikkamallur of Shiggaon taluk, while the accused is identified as Ramzan Nadaf.

Former Chief Minister of Karnataka and BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai has stated that the facts of the Dalit student suicide case have emerged, confirming that the accused is from a minority community.

“The circumstances surrounding the suicide of a Dalit woman named Shilpa from Chikka Mallur village in Shiggaon taluk reveal that harassment from a person of another community was the cause,” the former Chief Minister posted on X.

He expressed deep sorrow that a student destined for higher education lost her life due to harassment from an individual from a different community in a matter unrelated to her.

“The truth regarding Shilpa's suicide has surfaced late, raising concerns that the police may attempt to cover up or misdirect the case. Immediate action must be taken to arrest the harasser and ensure he receives severe punishment,” he remarked.

Additionally, the former Chief Minister called on the state government to grant Rs 25 lakh as compensation to the family of the young woman who lost her life through no fault of her own.

The police confirmed that the deceased was indeed Shilpa (22), from Chikkamallur in Shiggaon taluk, while the accused, Ramzan Nadaf, owns a furniture shop.

According to an official, Shilpa, a BCA student studying in Belagavi, was involved with a man named Naveen, who worked at the accused’s furniture shop.

It was reported that Ramzan Nadaf allegedly obtained Shilpa’s phone number and began a relentless harassment campaign against her.

“Unable to endure the harassment, Shilpa reportedly took her own life by hanging,” the official stated.

Police reported that Shilpa and Naveen had been in a relationship for three years, during which she resided in a hostel while pursuing her studies.

“Recently, Naveen was accused of theft at the shop. Nadaf allegedly confiscated Naveen’s mobile phone, accessed his messages with Shilpa, and acquired her contact number,” the police elaborated.

The police official further indicated that, according to Naveen’s statement, Nadaf persistently called Shilpa, alleging that Naveen had stolen money from the shop and transferred it to her.

“He allegedly blackmailed her, threatening to reveal their relationship and publicize the supposed theft. A case has been lodged at the Belagavi Market Police Station, and an investigation is underway,” the police official added.

In the meantime, Pramod Muthalik, the founder of the Sriram Sene, has demanded the immediate apprehension of the accused.

He stated that Naveen and Shilpa were in love, and Naveen had been employed at Nadaf’s shop.

“Naveen hails from a financially struggling family and was supposed to buy medicine for his ill mother,” Muthalik noted.

He claimed that the accused had not compensated Naveen for his labor, leading Naveen to take items from the shop to procure medicines.

“Nadaf allegedly assaulted Naveen and subsequently filed a police complaint against him,” he added.

Muthalik asserted that Nadaf seized Naveen’s mobile phone and, after discovering Shilpa’s contact information, began to harass her.

“Overwhelmed by the torment, Shilpa chose to take her own life. Ramzan Nadaf must be promptly arrested and imprisoned,” Muthalik insisted.