An incident of honour killing surfaced in Belagavi, Karnataka, as per reports from the Yamanakanamaradi police station area. The victim, identified as 24-year-old Satyavva Santosha Helavi, hailing from Hanabaratti village in Rayabagh taluk, was allegedly murdered by her family members. Three individuals, including the victim’s brother, have been apprehended in connection with the crime.
Satyavva had eloped with her lover, Krishna Patil, despite being married to Santosh Helavi. Following a missing persons report filed by the family, the police discovered the victim’s body, which had been mutilated and set on fire to eliminate evidence. The tragic incident occurred on March 13 but was only recently brought to light.
The Karnataka police have taken swift action, arresting the accused after a formal complaint was lodged. The case sheds light on the prevalence of honour killings and violence against inter-caste couples, prompting the enactment of the Karnataka Freedom of Choice in Marriage and Prevention and Prohibition of Crimes in the Name of Honour and Tradition (Eva Nammava, Eva Nammava) Act, 2026.
