Renowned Kannada writer and publisher Asha Raghu (46) was found dead at her residence in Malleswaram on Saturday. Police said she was found hanging inside a room in her house.
The incident came to light after family members received no response from her and forced open the door. She is survived by her daughter. Her husband, K.C. Raghu, had passed away two years ago.
Police register case, probe underway
According to police sources, Asha Raghu had been suffering from depression following her husband’s death. A case of unnatural death has been registered, and further investigation is in progress. Officials said no suicide note was found at the scene.
Academic roots and creative beginnings
Born on June 18, 1979, to Keshava Iyengar and Sulochana, Asha Raghu earned her postgraduate degree in Kannada from Bangalore University. She began her career as a lecturer before moving into the creative arts, working in theatre, television, and cinema as a dialogue writer and assistant director.
A powerful literary journey
She later devoted herself entirely to literature and publishing, emerging as a significant voice in contemporary Kannada writing. Her acclaimed novels include Avarta, Gata, Maye, and Chittaranga. Her short story collections—Aarane Beralu, Bogaseyalli Kathegalu, and Aparoopa Purana Kathegalu—were noted for their depth and social sensitivity.
Her contributions also extended to theatre, with plays such as Choodamani, Kshamadana, Bangarada Panjara, and Pootani and Other Plays. A critical work, Avarta–Manthana, based on her novel Avarta, further reflected her literary impact.
Awards and legacy
Asha Raghu received several honours, including the Karnataka Sahitya Akademi Award, Suryanarayana Chadaga Award, and recognitions from Kannada Sahitya Parishat bodies across the state. Colleagues remember her as warm, humble, and deeply committed to Kannada literature.