7 months pregnant, killed by dad in Karnataka: Case that drove honour crime law

HUBBALLI: The murder of 19-year-old Manya Vivekananda Doddamani in Dharwad became the trigger for the govt's decision to pass a dedicated law against honour-based crimes, with both the legislative assembly and council clearing the bill amid rising concern over caste-driven violence.

Manya, who was seven months pregnant, was allegedly killed by her father and relatives on Dec 21 last year, at Inam Veerapur village. Investigators said her inter-caste marriage was the trigger.

Her family had opposed the marriage but despite resistance, Manya, a Lingayat, married Vivekanand Doddamani, from the Scheduled Caste Madiga community in May 2025. The couple had previously sought police protection, and officials had attempted a reconciliation.

"We approached police when threats increased. They warned her family, but it did not stop," Vivekanand said while welcoming the new law, which is now awaiting assent of the governor.

Recalling their relationship, he said, "We knew each other from school, but became close later after we began chatting on social media. I proposed in Hubballi, and she accepted after a week. We decided to marry despite opposition."

They married in Ulavi on May 5 and registered the union days later. Fearing for their safety, they moved out of Inam Veerapur but returned in Dec last year. "We thought the situation had cooled down," he said.

On the day of the incident, the accused allegedly attempted to ram a tractor into his father. "They first tried to attack my family," Vivekanand said. "I rushed to the spot and called police en route." He alleged the group then went to his house, assaulted his family members, and attacked Manya. "She was brutally assaulted. She was taken to hospital, but she did not survive," he said.

Police arrested more than 10 accused, including her father, Prakashgouda Patil, while others are absconding. Two police personnel and a panchayat development officer were suspended for dereliction of duty. The case is before a court.

Law offers hope

The killing triggered protests across Dharwad and adjoining districts, with Dalit groups and activists demanding a stringent law to address honour killings.

"The govt must ensure all accused are punished severely," Vivekanand said, pointing out that it will send a strong message. "A fast-track court should hear the case to ensure justice is not delayed." He also urged strict enforcement of the new law. "It should protect those who choose inter-caste or inter-faith marriages. No one should face what we went through," he said.

Activists and community organisations, who ran a campaign for the new law, urged the govt to implement it strictly. "It will instil fear in those who target inter-caste couples and give confidence to such marriages," said Shekar Kavalikai of Jagatika Lingayat Mahasabha, adding, "We had sought naming it after Manya, but are happy it has been passed."

Other activists also voiced similar concerns. Basavaraj Sulibhavi, said, "We demanded this law but it should not remain on paper. Awareness must reach villages."

Gurunath Ullikashi noted, "Manya's killing sparked the debate that led to this bill," while Suresh Khanapur said: "We held protests after her murder. The law should ensure protection for inter-caste couples."