In a tragic incident that has traumatized the Shivamogga district, a young lady’s death has resulted from an alleged long-standing harassment by a police constable. The event happened in Hosa Siddapura village of Bhadravathi taluk, leaving a family devastated and two very young daughters who have been left bereft.
A Relentless Campaign of Cyber-Harassment
The victim was discovered hanging at her residence in Hosa Siddapura. The main person accused, as cited in the complaint filed by the victim’s mother at the Bhadravathi New Town Police Station, is a police constable named Mohan. The case discloses a harrowing encounter of digital stalking and psychological warfare. Mohan reportedly targeted the woman through Facebook and Messenger, sending a ton of text messages.
Even when the victim blocked his primary account, Mohan reportedly displayed extreme persistence and even set up multiple fake profiles which he used to continue his harassment. Beyond just sending messages, it is reported he threatened the reputation of the woman on social media by spreading slanderous material, which finally compelled her to take the extreme step.
A Tale of Double Tragedy for the Family
The tragic incident was intensified even more by the recent story of the family. The victim’s husband was Jagadish, a constable in the Karnataka State Industrial Security Force (KSISF), who died six days prior to the incident. Despite reports Jagadish died by suicide following prolonged illness, the loss of his wife in the same house within a week’s time has plunged the family into an unimaginable void of grief. The couple has two young daughters, who are now orphans.
The Accused: A Profound History of Abuse
Details of the investigation have disclosed that Constable Mohan is not an stranger to controversy. He was previously posted at the Bhadravathi New Town station but was transferred to Malur station in Thirthahalli taluk after disciplinary procedures and issues of “indiscipline.” Local reports have said he was not the only victim; Mohan is a serial harasser who used social media to ensnare and trouble several women. He was also alleged to be involved in illegal "meter baddi" (usurious moneylending) businesses in the city and has abused his position of power.
Police Action and Investigation
After the post-mortem at the Bhadravathi Taluk Hospital, police have registered an FIR against Mohan. Shivamogga SP B. Mithun (referred to locally as B. Nikhil in early reports) has since taken the matter seriously. A special police unit has been formed to track down and arrest the fugitive constable. "We have formed a special team to catch Mohan. Such a person might end up serving one of the most senior officers in the city, but anyone who misuses his position to harass citizens, especially women, will be punished accordingly,” the senior official said.
Some have called for further investigation into how a police officer was permitted to persist in his predatory actions even after he had a demonstrated behavior pattern. As the hunt for Mohan continues, the local community mourns a family torn apart by a predator in uniform.
