Body shamed as 'too fat', Karnataka nurse allegedly strangled in dowry murder

A 29-year-old staff nurse was allegedly strangled to death by her husband in Karnataka's Dharwad district after months of dowry harassment, body shaming and domestic abuse, with police arresting the accused along with three of his relatives.

The victim, identified as Priyanka Kamalakar, was found dead at her matrimonial home in Hanasi village in Navalgund taluk.

Police alleged that the murder followed repeated demands for additional cash and gold, coupled with constant verbal abuse over her weight and her inability to conceive.

According to investigators, Priyanka married Basavaraj Waddar in December 2024.

Her family alleged that the relationship deteriorated within weeks of the wedding, with Basavaraj and his relatives allegedly pressuring her to bring more money and jewellery from her parental home.

The FIR names Basavaraj, Renavva, Subhash and Siddaramesh as accused. Police said the family allegedly subjected Priyanka to continuous harassment, frequently insulting her appearance and questioning why she had not become pregnant.

According to the complaint, Basavaraj allegedly mocked Priyanka for being ‘fatter’ than him and repeatedly claimed she would not be able to bear children.

Investigators believe these insults, along with the alleged dowry demands, led to frequent disputes between the couple.

Police allege that during one such altercation on Monday night, Basavaraj strangled Priyanka to death inside their home. The incident came to light two days later, prompting an investigation and the arrest of all four accused.

Priyanka's family has made further allegations about her married life. Her uncle claimed Basavaraj routinely humiliated her over her appearance and told her he did not like her because she was ‘fat’.

The family also alleged that Priyanka conceived twice after the marriage but suffered miscarriages following repeated physical assaults by her husband. However, police have not independently verified these claims, and investigators have not confirmed any link between the alleged assaults and the miscarriages.

Following a complaint filed by Priyanka's family, the Navalgund Police registered a case against the four accused for alleged murder, dowry harassment and other related offences.

They have all been taken into custody. Police said the investigation is continuing to establish the complete sequence of events leading to Priyanka's death.

Authorities are also examining the allegations of prolonged domestic abuse, dowry demands and physical violence raised by the victim's family as part of the ongoing probe.