Karnataka High Court Refuses To Quash Suicide Abetment Case Against Man Over Nursing Student's Death; Here's Why
The Karnataka High Court has refused to quash a criminal case against a married man accused of stalking a nursing student before her death by suicide last year. The petitioner allegedly followed her to her workplace, forced uninvited meetings, and photographed her without consent. He also falsely claimed a relationship, causing multiple marriage negotiations to collapse.
The Karnataka High Court has refused to quash a criminal case filed against a married man accused of persistently stalking a nursing student, making unwanted romantic advances, and sabotaging her marriage prospects before her death by suicide last year.
Court Observations and Prima Facie Findings
Justice M Nagaprasanna observed that the allegations against the petitioner, if established, would constitute the offence of suicide abetment, reports Bar and Bench. The Court noted that the victim was allegedly driven to a state of severe distress through sustained coercion and interference. Husband Accused of Raping Employee, Wife of Filming It: Karnataka High Court Refuses To Quash Case.
“The complaint and the charge sheet, if read as a whole, prima facie depict the deceased being progressively cornered—her refusal allegedly ignored, her privacy threatened, her workplace invaded by pursuit, her matrimonial prospects repeatedly sabotaged and her apprehension that she would not be permitted to lead a life independent of the petitioner allegedly reinforced by his continued conduct,” the Court stated.
The bench clarified that it was not declaring the petitioner guilty at this stage, but rather declining to treat the prosecution as groundless, allowing the matter to proceed to trial.
Background of the Case
According to the complaint filed by the victim’s mother, the accused - a married man with two children - persistently harassed the nursing student after she rejected his romantic advances. The petitioner allegedly followed her to her workplace, forced uninvited meetings, and photographed her without consent. Investigators noted that the petitioner used these photographs and direct communications with prospective grooms to falsely claim a relationship, causing multiple marriage negotiations to collapse.
The victim had previously attempted to die by suicide on July 5, 2025. Following community intervention, a prior complaint was withdrawn after the petitioner allegedly promised to cease all contact. However, the harassment reportedly resumed weeks later, culminating in the student's death by suicide on July 29, 2025. Refusing the petition to dismiss the charges, the High Court emphasised that the earlier attempt served as a clear warning that was allegedly ignored by the accused.
Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Helpline Numbers:
Tele Manas (Ministry of Health) – 14416 or 1800 891 4416; NIMHANS – + 91 80 26995000 /5100 /5200 /5300 /5400; Peak Mind – 080-456 87786; Vandrevala Foundation – 9999 666 555; Arpita Suicide Prevention Helpline – 080-23655557; iCALL – 022-25521111 and 9152987821; COOJ Mental Health Foundation (COOJ) – 0832-2252525.
Women and Child Helpline Numbers:
Childline India – 1098; Missing Child and Women – 1094; Women’s Helpline – 181; National Commission for Women Helpline – 112; National Commission for Women Helpline Against Violence – 7827170170; Police Women and Senior Citizen Helpline – 1091/1291.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 23, 2026 08:17 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
