BENGALURU: A shocking case has emerged in Hubballi, where a now retired police constable has been accused of polygamy by his first wife. Shivakumar, who served as a constable, allegedly married four more women without divorcing his first wife, using fake names and identities.
The first wife, who has been seeking justice for 10 years, claims that Shivakumar abandoned her and their children, and has failed to provide for them despite a court order. She has now approached the Home Minister and the Director General of Police (DGP) in Bengaluru, seeking justice and a share of his pension.
The couple’s son Lakshmipathi also spoke to Public TV, saying that his father’s actions have ruined their lives. “My father’s greed for multiple marriages has destroyed our family. My brother died due to the stress caused by his actions. My mother is struggling to make ends meet,” he said.
He questioned how a policeman, who was supposed to uphold the law, could flout it so brazenly. The family is appealing to the authorities to intervene and ensure they get the justice they deserve.
Earlier, the police department had intervened and arranged for Shivakumar to pay maintenance to his first wife, but he allegedly stopped doing so. The family is now seeking help from the Home Minister and DGP to resolve the issue.
“He married me in 1994 when I was 18. He had tried to poison me and the police department intervened and got us to compromise on a court case. Later on, my son was born. Shivappa then married one woman in Nargund and another in Badami. I have lodged complaints everywhere. He changed his name and caste everywhere to marry other women. I have lodged complaints with the DG&IGP, Home minister and everyone as I have not got justice. How will I manage rent? He paid me money for some 2-3 years and stopped”, said Mahananda, the first wife.
“He hasn’t looked after us properly and destroyed other women’s lives. I had to quit studies and take up a job at a hotel and my brother died due to the tension. My mother has suffered for so many years and we needs justice”, said Lakshmipathi.
