A Chikkamagaluru court has convicted a construction worker for the brutal murder of his pregnant wife, sentencing him to life imprisonment and imposing a heavy fine.

  • A Chikkamagaluru court sentenced 38-year-old Manjunath to life imprisonment.
  • The convict murdered his wife, Sharada, following a pattern of domestic abuse and alcohol consumption.
  • The victim died at Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences after giving birth to a baby boy.
  • A fine of ₹75,000 was imposed, with compensation ordered for the victim's mother.

In a significant ruling regarding domestic violence and homicide, a court in Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka, has sentenced a man to life imprisonment for the murder of his pregnant wife. The convict, identified as Manjunath, a 38-year-old construction worker from Shankarapura, was found guilty of a crime that has shocked the local community.

The tragedy traces back to a love marriage that turned into a nightmare of abuse. According to court proceedings, Manjunath frequently returned home in an intoxicated state and subjected his wife, Sharada, to regular physical assaults. The violence escalated fatally on January 14, 2025, when Manjunath assaulted Sharada while she was nine months pregnant.

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The Fatal Incident and Legal Pursuit

Following the assault, Sharada was rushed to the Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences in Hassan. In a tragic turn of events, she gave birth to a baby boy but succumbed to her injuries shortly thereafter. The Chikkamagaluru Women Police immediately registered a case, leading to an intensive investigation. The charge-sheet was subsequently filed by Abhay Prakash Somanal.

Presiding over the case, the First Additional District and Sessions Judge, Kiran Kini, heard the evidence presented by the prosecution. The court convicted Manjunath under Section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). In addition to the life sentence, the judge imposed a fine of ₹75,000 and directed the district legal services authority to ensure suitable compensation is paid to the victim's mother, Siddamma.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this verdict highlights the increasing efficacy of the legal system under the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) framework. By providing swift justice in cases of domestic homicide, the judiciary reinforces the protection of women's rights and sends a stern warning against gender-based violence.

The implementation of the BNS in cases of domestic homicide marks a decisive step toward ensuring that perpetrators of gender-based violence face rigorous accountability.

The investigation was carried out by a dedicated team including PSIs Nandini N., Manjula Bai, and ASI Somashekhar. The prosecution was represented by Government Advocate Lohitheswara H.S., ensuring a robust legal battle against the accused.

Did You Know?: The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) is the new criminal code of India that replaced the Indian Penal Code (IPC) to modernize justice delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: What specific law was used to convict the perpetrator?
Answer: The convict was sentenced under Section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Question 2: Is there any relief for the victim's family?
Answer: Yes, the court has imposed a ₹75,000 fine and ordered compensation for the victim's mother through the legal services authority.