A young woman who was expecting her first child lost her life in Karnataka’s Hubballi rural region after she was allegedly attacked by her own family for marrying outside her caste. Police have described the incident as a suspected honour killing and confirmed that three people, including her father, are now in custody.

The incident took place on Sunday evening in Inam-Veerapur village. The victim, identified as Manya, was around 19–20 years old and six to seven months pregnant. She suffered severe injuries during the assault and later died while undergoing treatment at a private hospital.

Threats After Inter-Caste Marriage

Police officials said Manya had married a man from a different caste in May this year, despite clear opposition from her parents. Soon after the wedding, the couple began receiving threats, forcing them to leave their village and live in Haveri district for safety. They returned earlier this month after several months away.

Investigators revealed that authorities had previously intervened in the matter. The woman’s parents had been summoned and warned to stay away from the couple, with assurances reportedly recorded in writing. Despite this, tensions appear to have remained unresolved.

On Sunday afternoon, members of Manya’s family allegedly attempted to attack her husband and father-in-law while they were working in their fields. They managed to escape unharmed. Later that evening, the attackers reportedly entered the house where Manya was staying and assaulted her using iron rods and farm tools. Her in-laws, who tried to shield her, were also badly injured.

Pregnant Woman Dies of Injuries

Manya was rushed to hospital in critical condition but succumbed to her injuries later that night. Her husband and his parents are currently receiving treatment at KIMS Hospital in Hubballi.

Police have arrested Manya’s father and two close relatives and registered a case at the Hubballi Rural police station. A special investigation team has been formed to identify and arrest any remaining suspects.

The killing has sparked strong reactions from civil rights and Dalit organisations in Hubballi and Dharwad, who have condemned the violence and announced protests. The case has once again raised serious questions about the safety of inter-caste couples and the limits of preventive police mediation when deep-rooted social prejudice remains unchallenged.