Mob of 50 ransacks Belagavi home after couple elopes, three arrested

A mob of more than 50 people vandalised and ransacked a house in Bharamyanatti village in Karnataka's Belagavi district on Sunday after a local man eloped with a married woman. The Marihal police have arrested three individuals in connection with the attack, which left one person injured and resulted in the theft of valuables, cash, and livestock.

The incident occurred after Yallappa Naik, a resident of Bharamyanatti village, eloped with Nagavva, a married woman. According to the police, the couple had known each other for several years. Nagavva was married last year, and their families had only recently learned about the relationship and warned Yallappa.

Following the elopement, a mob consisting of the woman’s relatives and other villagers armed with knives, swords, and sticks barged into Yallappa’s family home. The attackers removed the roof tiles and destroyed the television, furniture, and other household valuables.

Yallappa's father, Bheemappa, filed a police complaint detailing the attack. He stated that while those inside the house managed to escape the main assault, his wife was injured during the incident.

According to Bheemappa's complaint, the mob also stole 25 sheep, gold and silver ornaments, and cash. The complaint stated that the stolen ornaments and cash are worth Rs 3 lakh.

The Marihal police arrested three suspects, identified as Nagaraja Naika, 33, Ravi Beejagatti, 40, and Eshwar Mucchandi, 22. They have been charged with attempted murder, criminal trespass, rioting, and unlawful assembly. A local court has remanded them to judicial custody.

Belagavi Police Commissioner Borase Bhushan Gulabrao stated that a special team has been formed to arrest the remaining accused. He noted that the police received a call on the 112 emergency helpline, but the mob had fled by the time officers arrived. However, Yallappa’s sister, Bheemavva, alleged that the police response was delayed.

The eloped couple, Yallappa and Nagavva, remain untraced. Neither family has filed a formal complaint regarding their disappearance.