Authorities in Belagavi district have apprehended a police constable following the tragic death of his estranged wife. The shocking murder, which took place on October 13, was only uncovered on Friday, sending ripples through the community.
The individual taken into custody is 35-year-old Santosh Kamble, a police constable originally from Nippani and stationed at the Nippani Police Station. The victim has been identified as 34-year-old Kashavva Karikatti, a native of Belavadi village in Bailhongal taluk. Kashavva worked as a conductor for the North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) at their Saundatti Depot.
Kashavva and Santosh Kamble were married in 2013 and shared an 11-year-old son. Their relationship, however, had been strained by domestic disputes, leading Kashavva to request a transfer to the Saundatti Depot.
Sources indicate that Kashavva had previously filed a complaint against Santosh, alleging harassment, which resulted in his suspension from duty. The couple subsequently divorced, though reports suggest they remained in contact even after their separation.
On October 13, Santosh reportedly visited Kashavva. An argument escalated, during which Santosh allegedly stabbed her to death. He then locked the house and fled the scene, leaving the brutal crime undiscovered for days.
The alarm was raised on Thursday night when Kashavva’s colleagues and relatives became worried by her unexplained absence from work. Upon arriving at her locked home, they noticed a suspicious foul smell, prompting them to immediately contact the police, leading to the grim discovery and subsequent investigation.