Bengaluru woman drowns in lake, boyfriend alleges caste-based killing
Authorities in Bengaluru Rural have launched an investigation into the death of a 20-year-old woman who drowned in Huskur Lake, following allegations that her family opposed her relationship due to caste differences.
According to The News Minute, the victim, Sahana, was employed at a private firm in Kudlu Gate. On Tuesday, February 12, her father, Ramamurthy, rushed to Hebbagodi police station in distress, claiming that both he and his daughter had accidentally fallen into the lake.
He told police that he lost control of his bike and veered into the water due to microsleep, having not rested the previous night, the report added.
However, Sahana’s boyfriend, Nitin, has alleged that her family was against their relationship.
According to TNM, he stated, “We have been in love for over a year, but her parents refused to let us marry.”
Madan Kumar, a friend of Nitin, revealed that the couple had been together for about 18 months, having met through mutual friends. Sahana belonged to the Kuruba community, while Nitin is from the Naidu caste.
The case took another turn when it was revealed that just a day before the incident, Ramamurthy had summoned Nitin to a friend’s house and forbade him from marrying Sahana.
While authorities have not yet classified the case as an ‘honour killing,’ they have acknowledged the need for further investigation.
“The father reported an accident, but given the allegations made, we are looking into all possibilities,” an officer from Hebbagodi police station told TNM.
The investigation is expected to gain further clarity once the post-mortem report is available.
