A couple in Bantwal taluk, Dakshina Kannada, was found dead in a suspected case of domestic violence. The wife, pregnant after 16 years of marriage, was allegedly strangled by her husband, who later took his own life.

Mangaluru Tragedy: Domestic Dispute in Badagundi Ends in Pregnant Woman’s Murder, Husband’s Suicide

Special Correspondent | June 19, 2025 | Bantwal, Dakshina Kannada

BANTWAL, KARNATAKA — A harrowing case of domestic violence has left a quiet village in shock after a couple was found dead inside their home in Badagundi, a settlement in Bantwal taluk. The tragic discovery has been registered as a suspected murder-suicide, unfolding amid what officials describe as long-suppressed tension behind closed doors.

Bantwal Domestic Tragedy: Pregnant Woman Murdered by Husband in Suspected Murder-Suicide

The Victims: A Family Shattered

The deceased have been identified as:

  • Thimmappa Rama Moolya (52)

  • Jayanthi Moolya (45) — who, as police confirmed, was pregnant after 16 years of marriage.

Jayanthi’s baby shower ceremony was reportedly planned for the first week of July, making the incident not just a domestic tragedy but one that has now shaken multiple generations of the family.

Timeline: Between Midnight & Morning

Investigators believe the deaths occurred sometime between 11:00 PM on Wednesday and 8:00 AM on Thursday. The timeline was established based on statements from neighbors and relatives who had been in contact with the couple the previous evening.

According to officials, an argument—likely stemming from a minor domestic issue—turned into a violent altercation. Thimmappa allegedly strangled Jayanthi to death, and later, took his own life by hanging near the kitchen area of their modest home.

No suicide note was recovered, but early forensic inspection supports the timeline and theory put forth by the investigating officers.

A Child Lost Before Birth

The most gut-wrenching detail to emerge from this tragedy is that Jayanthi was expecting a child—a long-awaited moment for the couple after 16 years of childless marriage. Relatives shared that preparations for her baby shower were already underway, with invitations being informally extended.

“This wasn’t just a double death—it’s the end of a dream they waited nearly two decades to realize,” said Vishwanath, Thimmappa’s elder brother, who filed an unnatural death complaint from Sajipa Mooda.

Police Investigation & Legal Proceedings

A complaint was first filed by Sujatha (40), Jayanthi’s sister from Farangipete, under Section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Bantwal Rural Police Station.

The complaint has prompted an official murder and suicide investigation, while a separate unnatural death report was filed by the husband’s side of the family under Section 194 of the BNS.

Police teams have visited the home, gathered forensic evidence, and interviewed close family members.

"We are not rushing to conclusions. While prima facie evidence supports a murder-suicide theory, all angles will be thoroughly verified," said a senior Bantwal police officer.

The Psychological Angle: Silent Suffering?

Psychologists familiar with the case suggest the incident could be a result of deep-rooted emotional strain, possibly exacerbated by the responsibilities and anxieties of impending parenthood at an older age.

Dr. Rani D'Souza, a family counselor in Mangaluru, commented:

“Couples in late pregnancies, especially after long periods of infertility, often face tremendous emotional highs and lows. If there are unresolved conflicts or unexpressed trauma, such situations can tragically spiral.”

Neighbors also shared that while the couple rarely appeared to fight in public, Jayanthi had confided in a few women from the area about frequent emotional breakdowns and verbal arguments at home.

Community in Mourning

The village of Badagundi, typically a quiet agrarian community, is reeling from the incident. The local gram panchayat has announced a day of silent mourning, and the community is organizing a condolence meet this evening to remember the victims.

“We are not used to such tragedies. Jayanthi was well-loved here. This incident has left a scar on the entire community,” said Shrinivas Kamath, a local shopkeeper and neighbor.

Broader Reflections: Domestic Violence & Mental Health

This heart-wrenching case underscores a growing need for community-based mental health support and domestic conflict resolution resources in rural areas. Despite progress in education and awareness, domestic violence—especially emotional abuse—often goes unreported in semi-urban and rural households.