A tragic story of abuse and poisoning unfolded in Attibele, near Bengaluru, where Vidya, a 37-year-old mother, succumbed after battling mercury poisoning for nine months.
According to her detailed dying declaration, her husband, Basavaraju, allegedly injected mercury into her thigh on the night of February 26, 2025, an act that led to her prolonged suffering and eventual death.
The incident came to light after Vidya, from Tilaknagar area, recorded a statement at Victoria Hospital shortly before passing away due to multi-organ failure.
Authorities have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Basavaraju and his father, Mariswamachari, who Vidya also accused of harassment and neglect.
The case has been upgraded to dowry death, with the police awaiting forensic lab reports to confirm the exact cause of death and continue their investigation.
Horrific Symptoms and Hospitalisation
Vidya’s ordeal began subtly but worsened rapidly after the alleged injection. On the night of Shivaratri, she went to sleep unaware of the danger and woke up the next evening with excruciating pain in her right thigh, detecting what she suspected was an injection mark.
Unable to tolerate the pain and other escalating symptoms including severe systemic distress, she initially sought treatment at the Attibele Government Hospital on March 7. Doctors there referred her to Oxford Hospital in Bengaluru for advanced care.
Medical tests confirmed the presence of mercury, a highly toxic heavy metal, in her system. Despite undergoing surgery and prolonged treatments, the poison spread to vital organs such as her kidneys, forcing multiple rounds of dialysis.
When her condition remained critical, she was transferred to Victoria Hospital, where she continued to fight for her life until November.
Allegations of Domestic Abuse and Legal Proceedings
Vidya’s statement to police described a toxic marital environment marked by harassment, humiliation, and confinement. She detailed how her husband often called her “mad,” locked her indoors, barred her from meeting relatives, and how both he and his father subjected her to verbal abuse.
The couple shares a young child, adding to the tragedy of the situation. Initially, authorities filed charges under attempted murder following the striking allegations and medical confirmation of poisoning.
However, due to the long-term abuse and Vidya’s deteriorating health and subsequent death, the case was upgraded to dowry death under the Indian Penal Code.
While the accused remain out on bail, the police investigation continues with collection of evidence, including Vidya’s recorded statements, testimonies from family members, and forensic analysis.
Understanding Mercury Poisoning and Its Impact
Mercury is a potent neurotoxin that, once introduced into the human body, can cause irreversible damage to various organs. In Vidya’s case, the poisoning led to multi-organ failure, a medical condition where several vital organs cease to function properly.
The severity and duration of exposure determined the severity of damage, complicating treatment efforts. Symptoms she experienced-intense thigh pain, kidney failure, neurological complications-are consistent with heavy metal toxicity.
Treatment requires intensive medical intervention, including chelation therapy to remove mercury from the bloodstream and supportive care to sustain affected organs. Unfortunately, despite extensive medical intervention, Vidya’s poisoning advanced beyond recovery.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This case starkly reveals the hidden violence many face behind closed doors-often unspoken, unrecognised, but dangerously real.
It is a grim reminder of the urgent need to address domestic abuse not only through stronger legal frameworks but through societal empathy, awareness, and support systems that encourage victims to seek help before tragedy strikes.
The use of mercury, an unusual and sinister means of inflicting harm, underscores an alarming level of desperation and cruelty.
Communities must come together to foster trust, dialogue, and education about domestic violence, ensuring victims have avenues to safety and justice.
