Heart-Wrenching Custody Battle Ends in Fatal Stabbing in Davangere, Karnataka

Davangere, Karnataka – A community is left in shock and grief following a tragic incident in Davangere where a man brutally stabbed his estranged wife to death. The devastating act, fueled by a bitter dispute over their children's custody, occurred on a fateful day, sending ripples of sorrow across the region.

The victim, identified as 30-year-old Ranjitha, met a horrific end at the hands of her 35-year-old estranged husband, Mallikarjun.

The incident took place behind the revered Sri Ram Temple in the city's SS Layout, a location now tragically marked by this heinous crime. Eyewitnesses or initial police reports indicate that a heated argument escalated dramatically, culminating in Mallikarjun allegedly drawing a knife and repeatedly stabbing Ranjitha.

The core of this devastating conflict was the custody of their two young children – a 10-year-old son and a 7-year-old daughter.

The couple had been separated for some time, with Ranjitha residing at her parents' home in Doddaghatti village, Channagiri taluk. She had recently moved to Davangere, seeking independent living and employment, and had been living in a rented accommodation in the city.

According to preliminary investigations by the Davangere police, the confrontation between Ranjitha and Mallikarjun was not an isolated incident but rather the culmination of ongoing tensions surrounding their separation and the welfare of their children.

Despite their estranged status, the children's well-being and guardianship remained a contentious point, eventually leading to this irreversible tragedy.

Upon receiving reports of the incident, officials from the SS Layout police station swiftly arrived at the scene. They initiated immediate action, securing the area and launching a thorough investigation.

Mallikarjun was promptly apprehended by the police, and a case has been registered against him under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including murder.

The shocking nature of the crime has reignited conversations about domestic disputes, the complexities of child custody battles, and the urgent need for support systems for individuals caught in such challenging circumstances.

Ranjitha's untimely demise leaves her two young children without their mother, casting a long shadow over their future. The community mourns her loss, hoping that justice will be served and that such tragedies can be prevented in the future through greater awareness and intervention.