Shivamogga, Karnataka: A deeply distressing case of alleged dowry harassment has come to light from the Bhadravathi–Shikaripura region. A 26-year-old newly married woman, Lata, died by suicide after reportedly facing continuous harassment from her husband and in-laws. She ended her life by jumping into the Bhadra Baldanda Canal on November 23.
According to police, Lata was married to Gururaj, a resident of Dindinahalli village, on April 14, 2025. Gururaj is employed as an Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) at KPCL at the Bhadra Dam. Because he held a government job, Lata’s family provided a large dowry during the marriage—allegedly worth around ₹60 lakh, including gold jewelry and ₹10 lakh in cash.
However, within just a month of the wedding, Lata’s family claims her husband and in-laws began demanding more money and subjecting her to mental and emotional harassment. In her suicide note, Lata also accused her husband of being involved in illicit relationships with other women, including someone within the family.
Mental distress and separation
Lata returned to her parental home in D.B. Village, Bhadravathi taluk, in June. Despite repeated assurances, her husband did not come to bring her back even after the traditional inauspicious Aashada month had passed. This prolonged separation reportedly caused her severe emotional distress.
In her suicide note, Lata named her husband Gururaj, her mother-in-law Sharadamma, her sisters-in-law Nagarathna and Rajeshwari, and her brother-in-law Krishnappa as responsible for her suffering.
Incident near the canal
On November 23, Lata travelled to the right bank canal area near Siddhapura village. She left her mobile phone and bangles at a temple nearby before taking the extreme step. Her devastated family later found a suicide note at home, outlining the harassment she faced.
After the incident came to light, Lata’s in-laws fled the area. Her husband's phone is reportedly switched off. Holehonnur police have registered a case and begun investigation based on the family’s complaint.
