A 29-year-old staff nurse was allegedly killed by her husband in Karnataka’s Dharwad district following months of alleged dowry-related harassment, body shaming and domestic abuse. Investigators claim the accused frequently mocked her appearance, calling her “too fat” and questioning her ability to have children.
The victim, Priyanka Kamalakar, married Basavaraj Waddar in December 2024. According to police and details mentioned in the FIR, the marriage allegedly deteriorated within weeks, with Priyanka facing continuous abuse from her husband and his family.
Investigators allege that Basavaraj, along with family members Renavva, Subhash and Siddaramesh, repeatedly pressured Priyanka to bring cash and gold from her parental home. The complaint further states that she was subjected to persistent insults regarding her weight and physical appearance.
As per the FIR, the accused allegedly mocked her for being heavier than her husband, questioned her inability to conceive, and repeatedly demanded money and jewellery from her family.
Police said the alleged abuse reached a tragic conclusion on Monday night when Basavaraj reportedly strangled Priyanka to death at their residence in Hanasi village of Navalgund taluk. The incident came to light two days later, sparking anger and concern among local residents.
Priyanka’s family has described her married life as deeply troubled. Her uncle alleged that Basavaraj routinely humiliated her, saying he disliked her because she was “fat” and claiming she would never be able to bear children.
The family has also alleged that Priyanka became pregnant twice after her marriage but suffered miscarriages as a result of repeated physical assaults by her husband. However, investigators have not independently confirmed these claims.
“He constantly said, ‘I don’t like her. She is fat. She cannot have children.’ She conceived twice, but both pregnancies ended in miscarriage because of the beatings,” her uncle alleged while demanding strict action against the accused.
Police have registered a case at Navalgund Police Station and arrested Basavaraj Waddar along with Renavva, Subhash and Siddaramesh. The four are being investigated on charges related to murder, dowry harassment and other associated offences.
