Honour killing in Mysore: Judgement due in May

The recent honour killing in Mandya district is a chilling reminder of a similar incident that shook Mysore two years ago. The case which is before the court, is in its final stage of hearing and the judgment is expected within a fortnight.

On March 14, 2012, a youth called Madesha alias Mahadev had strangled his younger sister Smruti D K to death for marrying a boy outside their caste. Smruti, aged 27, a Lingayat, was the native of Periyapatna taluk in the district. She had married Sudeep Kumar, a Dalit. 

Smruti was working as assistant professor in Kannada at the Government First Grade College, Kuderu, Chamarajanagar district. Sudeep continues to serve as the assistant director of physical education, Tumkur University. 

The duo who were courting each other since their post-graduation days in the University of Mysore, later married in secret after finding jobs. 

They had also decided to keep their marriage a secret, and were waiting for the right time to disclose their relationship to their respective parents.

However, on learning that his sister had married a boy outside of their caste putting their family honour at stake, Mahadev had murdered his sister along with his relative Shivu.  

Smruti at that time was sharing a rented space along with her friend in Alanahalli.

Trial

Sources told Deccan Herald that the case that had assumed significance for being sensational in nature, was earlier tried at third fast track court. After the abolishment of fast track courts in the State the case was later transferred to third additional district and sessions court.  

A total of 40 witnesses deposed before the court and the trial has been completed. The judgement in the case is expected in the first week of May.