Raichur, 29 Jan

Shock prevailed in Chikkahanagi village of Sirwar taluk in Raichur district after a 24-year-old pregnant woman was allegedly killed by her father-in-law following a family dispute, Karnataka police said on Thursday.

The deceased was identified as Rekha Nagaraj, who was four months pregnant. Police said her father-in-law, Siddappa, 50, slit her throat with a knife during an argument over agricultural and household work, killing her on the spot.

In a desperate attempt to save herself and her unborn child, Rekha reportedly crawled out of the house despite critical injuries and collapsed on the verandah, where she died, triggering grief across the village.

Raichur Superintendent of Police Arunangshu Giri told Salar News that Rekha had married Nagaraj three years ago and initially shared cordial relations with her in-laws. “After six months, frequent disputes arose, following which the couple moved out and lived separately,” he said.

After learning about Rekha’s pregnancy, the family persuaded the couple to return. “Disputes resurfaced recently, and a trivial argument escalated into murder,” Giri said, adding that Siddappa has been taken intocustody.

Further investigation is under way.