A 22-year-old woman from Karnataka’s Bidar district, Anjanabai Shekhar Patil, died by suicide on 6 February 2026 at her in-laws’ residence in Basavakalyan. Her family has alleged that she was subjected to continuous physical and mental harassment by her husband, Shekhar Patil, and his parents, and was allegedly forced into prostitution to bring money home.
Married in 2022, Anjanabai was the mother of an 11-month-old child. Acting on a complaint filed by her father, Basavakalyan police have registered a case under sections of the Indian Penal Code relating to cruelty and abetment to suicide.
Three accused her husband and in-laws have been detained, and investigations are currently underway. Authorities say they are recording witness statements and gathering evidence to determine the full sequence of events.
Disturbing Allegations Emerge From Family
The incident came to light after Anjanabai was found dead inside her marital home in Om Colony, Basavakalyan. According to police, preliminary inquiries were initiated following a formal complaint by her father, Vijaykumar Patil, who accused his daughter’s husband and in-laws of driving her to take the extreme step.
In his statement, Vijaykumar alleged that soon after the marriage, Anjanabai began facing repeated abuse over household issues and monetary demands. He further claimed that she was beaten and humiliated for refusing to comply with their alleged pressure to engage in prostitution.
Local police officials have confirmed that a First Information Report (FIR) has been registered based on these allegations. “We have booked three people in connection with the death and they are currently in custody. The matter is being investigated thoroughly and all aspects will be examined,” a senior police officer from Basavakalyan said. The official added that statements from neighbours, relatives and other potential witnesses are being recorded to establish whether the allegations of coercion and cruelty can be substantiated with evidence.
The young woman’s relatives have described her as soft-spoken and responsible, saying they had noticed a change in her demeanour over the past few months. “She often sounded anxious and distressed when she spoke to us. We had no idea that things were this bad,” a family member reportedly told local media. The tragic death has sparked anger and grief in her native village, with many demanding strict punishment for those found guilty.
A Pattern of Domestic Exploitation
While the investigation is still in its early stages, the allegations echo a troubling pattern seen in numerous cases across India where women face sustained cruelty within their marital homes. Social workers point out that emotional manipulation, financial control and physical abuse often remain hidden behind closed doors until a crisis occurs. In Anjanabai’s case, the family claims that the abuse escalated after the birth of her child, leaving her increasingly isolated and vulnerable.
Experts note that accusations of forcing a woman into prostitution represent one of the gravest forms of domestic exploitation. If proven, such acts amount to serious criminal offences under Indian law. However, many victims hesitate to report abuse due to fear of social stigma, economic dependency or lack of support systems. This silence, activists say, enables perpetrators to continue unchecked.
Karnataka has witnessed several campaigns in recent years aimed at encouraging women to seek help in cases of domestic violence. Helplines, counselling services and legal aid centres have been established, yet awareness and accessibility remain inconsistent, particularly in semi-urban and rural areas like Basavakalyan. The present case has therefore reignited conversations about how effectively such support mechanisms reach those who need them most.
Police officials have emphasised that while the family’s allegations are serious, due process will be followed before any conclusions are drawn. “We are treating this as a sensitive case. Scientific evidence, call records and testimonies will all be part of the investigation,” an officer involved in the probe said. Legal experts add that charges such as cruelty and abetment to suicide carry significant penalties, reflecting the gravity with which the law views such offences.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The heartbreaking death of a young mother is not merely a legal matter; it is a painful reminder of the social realities that many women continue to face in silence. Allegations like those raised in this case point to deeper problems – patriarchal attitudes, economic vulnerability and the normalisation of abuse within families. Justice must certainly take its course, but true change will come only when society collectively refuses to tolerate harassment and exploitation in any form.
As a community, we must prioritise empathy over judgement and create safe spaces where victims feel empowered to speak up without fear. Strengthening local support networks, ensuring accessible mental health services, and spreading awareness about legal rights can play a crucial role in preventing such tragedies. Families, neighbours, and institutions all have a responsibility to recognise warning signs and intervene early.
