Karnataka Sees First BNS Case: 37-Year-Old Woman Murdered Outside Hassan SP Office

As the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) came into force from July 1, Karnataka registered its first case under the new law. A police constable, Lokanath, was arrested for allegedly killing his wife, Mamatha (37), at the Hassan district SP office. Mamatha had come to the SP office to file a complaint against Lokanath when he allegedly stabbed her. She was rushed to a nearby hospital by police officials but was declared dead upon arrival. Lokanath was apprehended after attempting to flee the scene.

According to a police officer, Lokanath and Mamatha's relationship had recently become strained. Following heated arguments and repeated assaults at home, Mamatha visited the SP's office to report her husband's behavior to senior officers. Upset by her decision, Lokanath allegedly attacked her with a knife.

The Hassan city police have registered a case under Section 103 of BNS, which deals with punishment for murder, and an investigation is underway. Lokanath, who was attached to the Gorur Police Station, has been taken into custody.

Witnesses at the scene immediately rushed Mamatha to the Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences (HIMS), but she succumbed to her injuries. The police are investigating the motive behind the crime, which appears to be Lokanath's anger over his wife's decision to file a complaint against him. The authorities have assured that justice will be served.