A homemaker from Karnataka who died on Monday at Victoria Hospital has accused her husband of injecting her with mercury nine months ago, a claim now central to a police investigation into her death. The woman, identified as Vidya, recorded a pre-death statement from her hospital bed, alleging that her husband, M. Basavaraju, deliberately administered the toxic substance, leading to a gradual decline in her health. The couple has a four-year-old child, now at the centre of a deepening family and criminal case.
Pre-death statement sparks major investigation
Vidya’s allegations came to light after she provided a statement to the police on Sunday, only hours before her health deteriorated further. Her declaration has been formally converted into a First Information Report (FIR) under “attempt to murder” charges, marking a pivotal shift in the case. Police officials stated that the FIR was altered shortly after her death to examine the matter as a potential dowry-related death, given the background of domestic harassment she had reportedly faced.
According to her complaint filed earlier with the Attibele police, Vidya fell unconscious on the night of 26 February. When she regained consciousness the following evening, she experienced intense pain in her right thigh, which she said was the result of an injection administered without her knowledge. Her suspicion pointed to her husband, whom she accused of secretly harming her.
Mercury traces found during medical tests
Vidya was initially taken to Attibele Government Hospital for treatment on 7 March, but as her symptoms worsened, she was shifted to Oxford Hospital. It was there that doctors reportedly discovered traces of mercury in her blood — a finding that has significantly influenced the direction of the investigation. Exposure to mercury, especially in forms injected directly into the body, can cause severe organ damage, neurological deterioration, and long-term systemic complications, many of which are irreversible.
Medical experts familiar with the case said that determining the exact timeline and concentration of mercury exposure will now be important to understand the cause of her medical decline. The police are expected to seek forensic confirmation as part of the autopsy and toxicology tests.
Allegations of domestic harassment
Police officials said that Vidya had earlier complained of domestic harassment, and the new accusations have brought the possibility of dowry-related cruelty back into focus. Officers are examining whether ongoing disputes within the household may have escalated to a criminal act.
Neighbours and relatives who spoke to investigators reportedly mentioned frequent quarrels between the couple. However, the extent to which these disputes contributed to the alleged poisoning is now being closely scrutinised.
Husband under suspicion, but no arrest yet
M. Basavaraju, the husband and primary accused, has not yet been arrested. Police sources said that they are collecting medical evidence, witness statements, and forensic details before proceeding with further action. They are also trying to verify whether mercury was indeed injected into Vidya and, if so, how the substance was procured and administered.
Investigators are expected to question hospital staff, neighbours, and Vidya’s family members to reconstruct the series of events from February until her death. Officers will also review CCTV footage, phone records, and any documented history of physical or psychological abuse.
Case may be reclassified after autopsy
Authorities stated that the case will likely be reclassified once the autopsy report and chemical analysis of body fluids are completed. The cause of death will determine whether the charges escalate to murder. Police confirmed that dowry-related death provisions under the Indian Penal Code would be invoked if evidence supports prolonged harassment or cruelty related to monetary demands.
Child welfare concerns emerge
Vidya’s four-year-old child is currently staying with relatives, and child welfare authorities are expected to intervene depending on the outcome of the investigation. The circumstances of the child’s custody, safety and future care remain a matter of concern for local authorities.
Conclusion
Vidya’s death has opened a complex criminal investigation involving allegations of poisoning, domestic harassment, and possible dowry-related cruelty. As forensic results are awaited and police widen their inquiry, the case highlights the distressing instances of violence that continue to affect women within households. The findings in the coming days will determine the legal course and whether the accused will face charges of murder or dowry-related death.