In a disturbing suspected honour killing case, a married woman was allegedly murdered by her own relatives after she left home and chose to live with her partner in Karnataka’s Belagavi district.
The victim, identified as Satyavva Helavi, was from Hanabaratti village in Raibag taluk.
According to police, she had left her husband and eloped with Krishna Patil, with whom she was reportedly in a relationship before marriage.
The couple had been staying in a rented house in Belavadi village after leaving home on February 17.
Family allegedly traced couple
Investigators said family members later located the pair and brought Satyavva back. She was then reportedly taken to different places in neighbouring Maharashtra, including Shirol and later Arag in Sangli district.
Police suspect relatives tried to pressure her into ending the relationship and returning to her earlier marital life.
Poisoning and body destruction alleged
When she reportedly refused, the accused allegedly forced her to consume poison, causing her death.
Police further alleged that the body was later burned on March 21 in an attempt to destroy evidence.
Three relatives arrested
Based on a complaint filed by Krishna Patil, Yamakanamaradi Police registered a case and launched an investigation.
Police arrested three relatives identified as:
- Prakash Halavar
- Kallappa
- Shanoor
All three have been remanded to judicial custody.
Fresh focus on honour crime law
The case comes weeks after the Karnataka Assembly passed legislation aimed at preventing crimes committed in the name of