Siddarth Sethia
A 24-year-old newlywed woman,who was around two-and-a-half months pregnant, went missing under suspicious circumstances near the Hemavathi Left Bank Canal at Chikkanayakanahalli village in Channarayapatna taluk on September 19.
The missing woman,identified as Jayashila B.K.(24),was reportedly being taken to a hospital by her husband Rajshekar (27) on a motorcycle when the incident occurred.
According to Rajshekar,after getting her examined at a hospital,they reached the Hemavathi Left Bank Canal near Chikkanayakanahalli.
He claimed that Jayashila asked him to stop the motorcycle and suddenly jumped into the canal.
Rajshekar told the police that he also jumped into the canal in an attempt to rescue her but could not save her.
He claimed that he swallowed water while attempting the rescue and was subsequently admitted to a hospital.
He has denied allegations of dowry harassment,stating that neither he nor his family had subjected Jayashila to any harassment over dowry.
However,Jayashila’s parents have alleged that she was being harassed by her husband for dowry and suspect that Rajshekar killed her by pushing her into the canal.
They said that two attempts at reconciliation had earlier been held between the families.
The woman’s family has also raised doubts over the claim that she drowned,pointing out that Jayashila knew swimming.They have expressed uncertainty over whether she is dead or still alive.
Based on the complaint,the Channarayapatna Town police have registered a murder case against Rajshekar, his father Doreswamy, and mother Vijayalakshmi.
Police visited the spot and conducted an inspection, while efforts to trace Jayashila are under way.
Husband’s family makes counter-allegations
Meanwhile, Rajashekar’s family has made counter-allegations against Jayashila’s parents.
They claimed that Jayashila had earlier married a person with whom she was allegedly in a relationship.
According to them,her parents brought her back and allegedly threatened her with a bottle of poison before pressuring her to marry Rajshekar.
They further alleged that this information was concealed from Rajshekar’s family before the marriage.
The family claimed that the allegations against Rajshekar were unfair and alleged that the actions of Jayashila’s parents had ruined their son’s life.
