Mysuru: A man convicted of abetment to the suicide of a woman has been sentenced to five years of imprisonment by the Third Additional District and Sessions Court in the city.

Siddaraju, a resident of Kethahalli in T. Narasipura Taluk, was accused of harassing his neighbour Nagamma, who was unable to bear the torment and took her own life by hanging herself.

Nagamma’s husband, Jaware Gowda, worked as a daily wage labourer in Bengaluru. He would visit his family, including his wife and son, once a month. Siddaraju was known to misbehave with Nagamma by eve-teasing her and banging on her door when she was alone at home.

Upon the issue reaching village elders, Siddaraju assured them that he would mend his ways, but he continued his misconduct. On April 6, 2017, Siddaraju allegedly harassed Nagamma again while she was alone at home. His wife also publicly humiliated her, using derogatory language. Devastated, Nagamma took her own life at her home.

T. Narasipur Police registered a case, and Sub-Inspector N. Anand submitted a charge sheet to the Court following the investigation, which included charges against Siddaraju and his wife.

Judge K. Bhagya of the Third Additional District and Sessions Court found Siddaraju guilty and sentenced him to five years imprisonment, along with a fine of Rs. 50,000.

The Court directed that the fine be given to Nagamma’s son. T.H. Lolakshi was the Public Prosecutor in the case.