Woman and child die after jumping into river over harassment by husband, mother-in-law

HASSAN: A 29-year-old woman allegedly committed suicide by jumping into the Cauvery river along with her 1.5-year-old daughter at Ramanathapur in Arkalgud taluk, allegedly due to constant harassment from her husband and in-laws. While the woman’s body was fished out by rescuers on Sunday, a search was on for the daughter.

Mahadevi had been allegedly harassed by her husband Kumar, and her mother-in-law, Manju. She had previously lodged a complaint with the Konanur police station stating that her husband was harassing her and had even threatened to kill her. The police had warned Kumar and let him off, but he continued to harass Mahadevi. She had also approached the Hassan women’s police station, but no resolution was reached.

In a video recording before her death, Mahadevi alleged that her husband and mother-in-law were responsible for her death. She stated that she was unable to bear the harassment and torture anymore and was ending her life.

Mahadevi, hailing from Karpurahalli in Saligram taluk had previously been married for nine years, but had divorced her first husband and married Kumar of Seeballi village in Arkalgud taluk three years ago. She had given 100 grams of gold as dowry during her second marriage. However, Kumar was reportedly suspicious of her and used to abuse her. The mother-in-law, Manju, also allegedly abused Mahadevi.

The police have registered a case and arrested Kumar and Manju. The search for the body of the minor girl Punarvika is still under way. The incident has sent shockwaves in the locality, and the authorities are investigating the matter.