Stripped in public, woman hangs herself

HUBLI: A woman, who was allegedly stripped and beaten in public, committed suicide in Bendalagatti village of Kalaghatagi taluk on Tuesday. The victim, Ratnavva Karjagi, 30, was accused of helping a married woman elope with a youth.

Sources said that Koteppa Hangal, one of the village patriarchs, had accused Ratnavva of encouraging his daughter-in-law to have an affair with a youth and help them elope. Hangal fined her Rs 20,000. As he was about to announce the punishment, his sons and other relatives allegedly attacked her. But, she escaped and ran towards her house stark naked. Her husband, Fakkirappa Karjagi, and her six-year-old daughter were mute spectators to the incident. Despite this, Fakkirappa promised Hangal to pay the penalty amount by Wednesday. In order to raise the money, Fakkirappa went to Kalaghatagi to sell his cattle. Unable to bear the shame, Ratnavva committed suicide before her husband’s return.

In the complaint filed at Kalaghatagi police station, Ratnavva’s brother has named some members of the Hangal family.  

Police Superintendent R Dileep said that those responsible for the incident will not be spared