Young woman dies by suicide in Karwar after alleged harassment by classmate

Karwar : A tragic incident has been reported from Karwar in Uttara Kannada district, where a 21-year-old woman allegedly died by suicide after prolonged harassment linked to one-sided love. The incident occurred at Kadra KPC Colony, sending shockwaves through the local community.

The deceased has been identified as Rischel Francis D’Souza (21), a resident of Kadra KPC Colony. In connection with the case, Chirag Chandrahass Kotharkar (21), a resident of Nandanagadda, has been named as the accused. Police sources said Rischel and Chirag were classmates and had been in contact for several years.

According to the complaint, the accused had been visiting Rischel’s house frequently over the past few months and allegedly pressuring her to accept his romantic advances. Despite repeated refusals from Rischel, Chirag is accused of continuing to harass her mentally and emotionally. The family has alleged that the accused forced his feelings on her and refused to respect her decision.

More seriously, the complaint states that Chirag allegedly made abusive and cruel remarks, telling the young woman that her life was meaningless if she did not accept his love and that she should die. Family members allege that these statements deeply disturbed Rischel and pushed her into severe mental distress.

On the day of the incident, Rischel was reportedly alone at home. Overwhelmed by the alleged mental harassment, she is said to have ended her life by hanging herself from the ceiling fan in her bedroom using a saree. When family members returned home, they found her unresponsive. She was declared dead on the spot.

Rischel’s father, Christod Francis D’Souza, who is devastated by the loss of his daughter, has filed a formal complaint at the Kadra police station. In his complaint, he has directly held Chirag responsible for his daughter’s death, stating that continuous mental harassment and instigation led to the tragic step.

Based on the complaint, Kadra police have registered a case of abetment to suicide and launched an investigation. Efforts are underway to trace and apprehend the accused. Police officials said further action will be taken based on evidence collected during the probe.

The incident has once again raised concerns over harassment, consent, and the serious consequences of mental abuse.