Woman escapes devadasi trap, marries lover with police support in Karnataka

KURUGODU (BALLARI): In a noteworthy action, the police garnered public praise for intervening to protect a young woman from being coerced into the illegal devadasi tradition. Their efforts enabled her to start anew by marrying the man she loved.

The situation unfolded near Vaddatti Cross, where the young woman's family intended to turn her into a devadasi due to their superstitious beliefs. Recognising the gravity of her predicament, the young woman expressed her desire to marry a young man from her village whom she loved.

With the backing of her relatives, she sought assistance from the Devadasi Women's Liberation Association. Subsequently, the association's president, H Yankamma took the couple to the Kurugodu police station, where PSI Supreeth Virupakshappa convened both families, clarified the legal implications of the devadasi system, and persuaded them to endorse the couple's choice.

A simple wedding ceremony took place on Friday at the Doddabasaveshwara temple in the town, where the couple exchanged garlands and started their journey together, accompanied by police personnel, local leaders, and family members.

Attendees included municipal vice president Channapattana Mallikarjun, Yallapur Neelabai, Shivakumar, Ravi, Gadilingappa, Devadasi Nagamma, and several others. Proactive steps taken by the police garnered public appreciation.