A tragic chain of events following a two-month-old marriage has left two men dead by suicide and a young woman in judicial custody in Karnataka’s Davangere district, police said.
Saraswati, who married Harish two months ago, has been arrested on charges of abetment to suicide. Harish (30), her husband, died by suicide after she allegedly eloped with her former lover. Days later, the couple’s matchmaker and Saraswati’s uncle, Rudresh (36), also died by suicide, unable to cope with the unfolding events.
Woman reported missing, truth emerges
According to police, Saraswati left her parental home on January 23, telling her family she was going to a temple. When she did not return, her parents lodged a missing persons complaint.
During the investigation, police found that Saraswati had eloped with a man identified as Shivakumar, with whom she had reportedly been in a relationship before her marriage.
Death note names those responsible
Police said Harish, upon learning about Saraswati’s disappearance and elopement, left behind a death note naming individuals he held responsible before ending his life.
Preliminary findings suggest that Harish was aware of Saraswati’s prior relationship even before marriage and had persuaded her family to go ahead with the wedding. Rudresh, who arranged the match, reportedly took the extreme step after being overwhelmed by guilt and social pressure following Harish’s death.
Police register multiple cases
Superintendent of Police Uma Prashant said two cases have been registered under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act within the jurisdiction of the Davangere Rural Police Station.
“Complaints have been filed from both sides. Two persons died by suicide due to emotional distress. The investigation is ongoing,” she said.
Police said further probe is under way to determine culpability and the sequence of events.
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress, help is available. Reach out to Vandrevala Foundation (9999 666 555) or TISS iCALL (022-2552-1111).