Hubballi, December 27, 2025 – In a poignant display of solidarity amid rising outrage over caste-based violence, Karnataka Labour Minister and Dharwad District In-Charge Santosh Lad on Saturday visited the family of Vivekananda Doddamani, whose seven-months-pregnant wife, Manya Patil, was brutally murdered in a suspected honour killing six days ago. Lad spent over an hour consoling the bereaved husband and his injured relatives, promising swift action against the perpetrators and stricter measures to curb such barbaric acts.
The visit comes as the nation reels from the shocking incident that unfolded on December 21 in Inam Veerapur village, Hubballi taluk. Manya, a 20-year-old from the Lingayat community, was allegedly beaten to death with iron sprinkler pipes by her own father, Prakashgouda Patil, and two relatives, Arun and Veeranna. The attack, believed to stem from deep-seated caste prejudices, targeted Manya for her inter-caste marriage to Vivekananda, a Dalit youth, earlier this year. The couple, who met on Instagram and tied the knot at Hubballi Rural police station in May 2025, had been facing relentless harassment from Manya's family despite repeated police interventions.
Vivek, a college student in Hubballi, and his parents were also assaulted during the raid on their home. Vivekananda's father and mother sustained serious injuries and remain under treatment at KIMS Hospital in Hubballi. The assault not only claimed Manya's life and that of her unborn child but also shattered a young family that had sought refuge in love across caste lines.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting at the Doddamani residence, Minister Lad expressed profound grief and fury. "This is a stain on our society's conscience. The poison of casteism has claimed an innocent life and orphaned an unborn child. I met Vivek and his family today – their pain is unimaginable. The state government stands with them. We have already provided Rs 5 lakh in immediate relief, and I assure the family that the culprits will face the full force of the law, including charges under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act," Lad said, his voice heavy with emotion.
Lad, who has publicly condemned the killing since news broke, reiterated calls for a comprehensive anti-honour killing law. "Counselling and bonds are not enough; we need deterrent legislation to eradicate this menace. The district administration will ensure Vivek safety and support his education and future," he added, urging community leaders to promote inter-caste harmony.
The minister's visit follows a wave of protests across Dharwad and Hubballi. Dalit activists from the Karnataka Dalit Sangharsh Samiti staged a dharna at Ambedkar Circle on Monday, demanding capital punishment for the accused and a special court for speedy trials. On Thursday, the Karnataka SC/ST Commission Chairman L. Nagendra visited the village, vowing a thorough inquiry. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi also met the family on Christmas Day, slamming the incident as "shameful in the 21st century" and calling for enhanced state compensation.
Police have arrested Prakashgouda, Arun, and Veeranna, with Superintendent of Police Gunjan Arya confirming that investigations point to premeditated honour killing. Three more relatives were detained on Wednesday, and security has been beefed up in the tense village to prevent retaliatory clashes. Manya's postmortem report, awaited, is expected to provide crucial forensic evidence.
Vivekananda, speaking briefly through tears during Lad's visit, demanded justice. "Manya and our baby deserved a future, not this brutality. I want the accused hanged so no other family suffers like ours," he said.
This tragedy has reignited debates on caste atrocities in Karnataka, with activists pointing to a disturbing rise in such cases. Just last year, similar incidents in the state prompted statewide agitations. As the probe deepens, all eyes are on the government to deliver not just condolences, but concrete reforms to safeguard love from the shadows of hate.
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