Karnataka: Dalit woman stabbed by a Muslim man to death in ‘Love Jihad’ tangle.

Dalit Woman Stabbed by  Muslim Man to Death in Karnataka’s Yellapur, Accused Found Dead Hours Later;  ‘Love Jihad’ Allegations Spark Tension. 

B Upendran | HENB | Yellapur | Jan 4, 2026::  A brutal daylight murder of a 30-year-old Dalit woman in Karnataka’s Yellapur town has shaken the region, triggering communal tension, political reactions, and allegations of “love jihad,” even as police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding both the killing and the subsequent death of the accused.

The Crime: Broad-Daylight Murder on a Public Street

Ranjita Bhansod, a resident of Kalamma Nagar in Yellapur, was stabbed to death on Saturday afternoon while returning home from work. According to police, the attack took place on a public street, sending shockwaves through the otherwise quiet town.

Superintendent of Police Deepan MN confirmed that the prime accused in the murder was Rafiq Imamsab, a Muslim man from the same locality who was personally known to the victim.

“Preliminary investigation suggests that the accused was pressuring the woman to marry him. When she refused, he allegedly attacked her with a knife,” a senior police officer said.

Victim’s Background: Married, Working Mother Living Separately

Police records state that Ranjita had been married to Sachin Katera, a resident of Solapur, Maharashtra, around 12 years ago. The couple has a 10-year-old son. However, Ranjita had been living separately from her husband and was residing with her family in Yellapur.

She was employed as a midday meal assistant at a government school, a job that made her well-known in the local community.

Investigators said Rafiq frequently visited Ranjita’s house and shared meals with the family. The relationship reportedly became strained when he allegedly began insisting on marriage—an idea strongly opposed by Ranjita and her relatives.

Accused’s Death: Body Found Hanging in Forest

Just hours after the murder, the case took a dramatic turn. On Sunday morning, police recovered the body of the accused Rafiq Imamsab, found hanging from a tree in a forested area near Yellapur.

SP Deepan MN said the circumstances of his death are being examined. While initial indications point towards suicide, police have not ruled out any possibility and are awaiting forensic and post-mortem reports.

The recovery of the accused’s body came amid mounting public anger and protests demanding his immediate arrest.

Protests, Bandh, and Allegations of Delay

Following the murder, residents and members of various Hindutva organisations staged protests outside the Yellapur police station, alleging a delay in apprehending the accused. Protesters warned that demonstrations would continue until action was taken.

On Sunday, several Hindu organisations called for a bandh in Yellapur, leading to the closure of shops and disruption of normal life.

Police officials, however, maintained that efforts to trace the accused had been underway even before his body was found.

‘Love Jihad’ Narrative Enters Political Discourse

The incident quickly escalated beyond a criminal investigation into a politically charged debate. Hindutva groups described the murder as a case of “love jihad,” a term used by right-wing organisations to allege targeted relationships between Muslim men and Hindu women.

Sri Ram Sena chief Pramod Muthalik stated,
“This is clearly a case of love jihad, where unmarried women, widows, or women living separately are targeted.”

While police have not endorsed this characterization, the narrative gained traction among protestors and political groups.

BJP Leadership Visits Victim’s Family

Adding to the political significance of the case, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state president B.Y. Vijayendra met Ranjita’s family on Sunday and expressed condolences. His visit further underscored the sensitivity of the incident amid heightened communal sentiments.

Security Tightened Amid Rising Tensions

In response to the unrest, police have deployed additional security forces across Yellapur and nearby areas. Flag marches and heightened surveillance are being conducted to prevent any escalation of violence.

Authorities have urged residents to maintain peace and refrain from spreading unverified claims as investigations continue.

Unanswered Questions Remain

While police believe the murder stemmed from personal disputes and alleged coercion, several questions remain unresolved:

• Was the accused acting alone?
• What were the exact circumstances leading to his death?
• Did prior complaints or warnings exist that went unaddressed?

As forensic reports are awaited and multiple angles are being examined, the case stands at the intersection of crime, caste, gender, and communal politics, making it one of the most closely watched incidents in the region in recent times.

For now, Yellapur remains tense—grappling not only with the loss of a young woman but also with the broader social and political fault lines the crime has exposed.