He had hammered his daughter-in-law to death as she refused his sexual advances

Mysore/Mysuru: The City’s 5th Additional District and Sessions Court has sentenced a man to life imprisonment for murdering his daughter-in-law after she refused his sexual advances.

The convicted, Gantaiah, is a resident of Harohalli village under Varuna Police limits.

According to the prosecution, Gantaiah’s eldest son, Chikkaluraiah, had married Kavitha 15 years ago and the couple had three children. Kavitha was working as a storekeeper at a private college, while her husband was unemployed. Gantaiah, who was also working, lived with the family.

Over the past few days, Gantaiah had allegedly developed an illicit relationship with Kavitha, which led to frequent quarrels between them.

On July 10, 2023, following an argument, Chikkaluraiah left the house with his eldest son and spent the night at the Narayanaswamy Temple in the village. Later, while Kavitha was asleep with her two younger children, Gantaiah allegedly approached her with sexual intent. When she refused, he attacked her with a hammer, killing her on the spot.

A case was registered at Varuna Police Station, and Inspector G.S. Swarna filed the charge sheet after completing the investigation.

Judge K.N. Roopa, after hearing arguments from both sides, found Gantaiah guilty and sentenced him to life imprisonment.

The Court also imposed a fine of Rs. 1.50 lakh, failing which the accused will have to undergo an additional one year of simple imprisonment.

The prosecution was represented by then Public Prosecutor B.E. Yogeshwar and present Public Prosecutor A.N. Madhu.

Departmental enquiry ordered

Judge K.N. Roopa has also ordered a departmental enquiry against Varuna Gram Panchayat employee Michael Mathew for allegedly giving false evidence during the spot mahazar.

He had been taken as a witness by the Police but later gave a false statement during the investigation, prompting the Court to direct action, Public Prosecutor A.N. Madhu said.