A sense of shock has gripped Honnavalli village after Vandana (24), a pregnant woman from Arkalgud, was found dead in a lake on Thursday evening. Vandana, who had been missing for two days, was discovered floating in the water by locals, who immediately alerted the authorities. Police have since recovered the body and initiated a detailed inquiry into the circumstances surrounding her death.
Vandana had married Roopit, a resident of Honnavalli, just one and a half years ago. Despite her young age, she was regarded as hardworking and responsible, employed at a medical facility and contributing the majority of the household income.
Family alleges repeated harassment for money
According to Vandana’s family, she had been enduring ongoing harassment from her husband and in-laws, which they allege pushed her towards suicide. Her brother Deepak accused her husband Roopit, as well as his parents Manjula and Revanna, of constantly demanding money despite being unemployed and struggling with alcohol addiction.
Deepak stated that Vandana would often hand over her entire monthly salary to her husband’s family in order to meet their financial demands. “She had gone missing two days ago and we had filed a missing person’s complaint. Her husband was unemployed and the family constantly demanded money. My sister would give her entire month’s salary to her husband’s family,” he said.
Quarrel preceded disappearance
On Tuesday, a heated quarrel reportedly took place between Vandana and her mother-in-law. Following this altercation, Vandana left the house and did not return. Efforts to locate her over the next two days were unsuccessful until her body was discovered in the lake.
Police believe that she may have died sometime soon after going missing, although the exact timeline will be confirmed following post-mortem examination and forensic analysis.
Investigation underway; allegations under scrutiny
Authorities have registered a case and are now probing the allegations made by Vandana’s family. Investigators are expected to examine:
- the history of harassment reported by Vandana’s relatives
- financial disputes within the household
- testimonies from neighbours and colleagues
- the events leading up to the quarrel on Tuesday
- possible coercion or abetment to suicide
Police are also waiting for the autopsy results, which will help establish whether Vandana’s death was voluntary or if foul play may have been involved.
Second tragedy in the same family
In a distressing revelation, this is the second suicide in Vandana’s immediate family. Her sister Meghana had also died by suicide a few years ago, reportedly over a love affair. The recurrence of tragedy has left the family devastated, compounding their grief and raising concerns about the emotional toll faced by young women in vulnerable situations.
Relatives described Vandana as a soft-spoken and dutiful woman who tried her best to maintain her marriage despite the difficulties she faced. Her sudden death has not only shocked her family but has also sparked conversations within the community about domestic violence, financial exploitation, and the pressure placed on young married women.
Community calls for justice
Residents of Honnavalli and surrounding areas have expressed outrage and sorrow over the incident. Women’s rights groups in the district have urged the police to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that those responsible, if found guilty of harassment or abetment, are held accountable.
Local leaders have emphasised the need for greater awareness and support systems for women facing domestic abuse, particularly in rural areas where such cases often go unreported or unresolved.
Police appeal for restraint
Authorities have urged the public not to jump to conclusions as the investigation is still in its early stages. Officials stated that all allegations will be examined impartially and necessary action will be taken based on evidence.