GP member killed for sexually harassing woman

Belagavi: In a brutal incident a Gram Panchayat member was murdered in Basarkod village in Kittur taluk, for allegedly sexually harassing a woman.

The deceased has been identified as Basavaraj Doddamani. The accused have been identified as Rukmini Gopal Pagad (32), her husband Gopal Kallappa Pagad (38), and brother-in-law Mahantesh Kallappa Pagad (35).

Reportedly, the trio murdered Basavaraj Doddamani used to have illicit relations with Rukmini, and would visit her house in the absence of her husband. Even after she ended the relationship, he continued his visits to her house and is said to have been harassing the woman sexually.

In a bid to put an end to this, Rukmini is said to thrown chilli powder at Basavaraj, when he entered her house, after which her husband Gopal and his brother Mahantesh attacked him with sticks. Basavaraj, who was severely injured, was taken to hospital, but succumbed to his injuries, informed sources.