Karnataka: Dalit Student Commits Suicide Amid Alleged Harassment by Minority Man

Haveri, April 19 (NationPress) A tragic incident involving the suicide of a Dalit college student, reportedly due to harassment by an individual from a minority community, occurred in Karnataka on Saturday.

The deceased has been named Shilpa (22), hailing from Chikkamallur in Shiggaon taluk, while the alleged perpetrator is identified as Ramzan Nadaf.

Former Chief Minister of Karnataka and BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai stated that the truth surrounding the Dalit student's suicide has emerged, revealing that the accused is part of a minority community.

“The circumstances leading to the suicide of a Dalit woman named Shilpa from Chikka Mallur village in Shiggaon taluk have surfaced, indicating that harassment from a member of another community was a contributing factor,” the ex-Chief Minister expressed on X.

He added that it is profoundly distressing that a student, who aspired to pursue higher education and build a future, lost her life due to harassment that was not related to her.

“The truth behind Shilpa’s suicide has come to light late, and there is a risk that the police might obscure or divert the case. The authorities must swiftly apprehend the individual who harassed the young woman, leading to her demise, and impose severe penalties,” he urged.

Bommai also called for the state government to grant Rs 25 lakh as compensation to the family of the young woman who lost her life unjustly.

The police confirmed that the deceased is Shilpa (22), a resident of Chikkamallur in Shiggaon taluk, while the accused is identified as Ramzan Nadaf, who operates a furniture shop.

According to officials, Shilpa, a BCA student studying in Belagavi, was in a relationship with a man named Naveen, who was employed at the furniture shop owned by the accused.

It was reported that Nadaf allegedly acquired Shilpa’s phone number and began incessantly contacting her, subjecting her to relentless harassment.

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

Police revealed that Shilpa and Naveen had been in a romantic relationship for three years, and she was residing in a hostel during her studies.

“Recently, Naveen was accused of theft at the shop. Nadaf allegedly confiscated Naveen’s mobile phone, scrutinized his messages with Shilpa, and obtained her contact information,” the police reported.

According to Naveen’s account, Nadaf repeatedly contacted Shilpa, alleging that Naveen had stolen funds from the shop and transferred them to her.

“He purportedly blackmailed her, threatening to expose their relationship and disclose the alleged theft. A case has been filed at the Belagavi Market Police Station, and an investigation is active,” added the police official.

Meanwhile, Pramod Muthalik, the Founder of the Sriram Sene, called for the immediate arrest of the accused.

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

“Naveen comes from an underprivileged background and was supposed to buy medicine for his sick mother,” Muthalik noted.

He stated that the accused had not compensated Naveen for his work, which led Naveen to take a few items from the shop to purchase medicine.

“Nadaf allegedly assaulted Naveen and lodged a police complaint against him,” he remarked.

Muthalik asserted that Nadaf had taken Naveen’s mobile phone and, after obtaining Shilpa’s contact number from it, began to harass her.

“Unable to endure the torment, Shilpa took her own life. Ramzan Nadaf must be apprehended and imprisoned immediately,” Muthalik demanded.