A mother and her 19-year-old daughter have died by suicide in Dalavai Kodihalli village, Karnataka, following allegations of persistent harassment and death threats from a neighbour in Karnataka's Mandya district.
Shakuntala Devi (46) and her daughter Priyanka were found dead in their family home on Sunday (February 8). The tragedy occurred as the family was actively preparing for Priyanka’s upcoming wedding, an event the police believe may have triggered the final escalation of threats from the accused.
According to reports, the family had been subjected to significant pressure from a 35-year-old neighbour identified as Muthuraju. Investigations suggest that Muthuraju, a married man and father of three, had been aggressively pursuing Priyanka and demanding she marry him.
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The family had reportedly rejected his proposals on multiple occasions, citing his existing marital status. Priyanka’s father, M. Mahesh, and Shakuntala Devi had previously warned the neighbour to cease contact with their daughter, but the harassment allegedly intensified once he learned of her engagement to another man.
The situation reached a breaking point on Sunday morning. Police officials stated that Muthuraju allegedly contacted Shakuntala Devi via telephone, issuing "dire consequences" and death threats if the family proceeded with Priyanka’s planned marriage.
Distressed by the relentless intimidation and fearing for the family’s social standing and safety, both mother and daughter took the extreme step inside their residence while Mahesh was away.
Mandya Superintendent of Police confirmed that senior officers have visited the site and conducted a preliminary inspection. A formal case has been registered at the Halaguru police station based on a complaint filed by Mahesh.
“An investigation is currently underway to establish the full sequence of events,” a police spokesperson said. “We are looking into the call records and the allegations of criminal intimidation that led to this unfortunate loss of life.”
Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Helpline Numbers:Tele Manas (Ministry of Health) – 14416 or 1800 891 4416; NIMHANS – + 91 80 26995000 /5100 /5200 /5300 /5400; Peak Mind – 080-456 87786; Vandrevala Foundation – 9999 666 555; Arpita Suicide Prevention Helpline – 080-23655557; iCALL – 022-25521111 and 9152987821; COOJ Mental Health Foundation (COOJ) – 0832-2252525.