A disturbing honour killing case from Tumakuru has sent shockwaves across Karnataka after police revealed that a father allegedly killed his 17-year-old daughter because she wanted to marry a man of her choice.

The incident, which initially appeared to be a missing persons case, turned into a murder investigation nearly a month later after the accused reportedly confessed during police interrogation.

According to investigators, the accused — identified as farmer Thimmarayappa — was strongly opposed to his daughter Meghana’s relationship with an electrician believed to be a close relative of her mother’s family. While the girl’s mother reportedly supported the relationship, the father was allegedly against the marriage from the beginning.

Incident Reported From Sira Taluk Village

Police said the case took place in Nimbemaradahalli village in the Sira taluk region of Tumakuru district.

Investigators claim that on April 16, the father called his daughter to the family’s agricultural field, where an argument broke out regarding her relationship and future marriage plans.

During the confrontation, the accused allegedly strangled the teenager in a fit of anger.

Body Allegedly Thrown Into Well, Later Buried

According to the police investigation, the accused initially threw the unconscious girl into a well located on the farmland.

However, fearing that the body might later float to the surface and expose the crime, he allegedly returned to the location later the same evening and removed the body from the water.

Police further stated that the accused then transported the body during the night to a nearby dry lake area, where he allegedly buried it in a shallow grave.

Family Initially Filed Missing Complaint

In an attempt to avoid suspicion, the accused and his wife reportedly approached police the following day and filed a missing complaint regarding their daughter.

Roughly a week later, on April 23, the father himself disappeared from home along with cash and a motorcycle. His wife later filed another complaint reporting her husband missing as well.

The twin disappearances complicated the investigation, especially because both mobile phones were reportedly switched off, leaving investigators with limited leads.

Police Investigation Intensified After New Lead

As the case showed little progress initially, a special police team reportedly began conducting inquiries in nearby villages and surrounding areas.

The breakthrough came on May 15, when police received information that the accused had been seen at a friend’s residence located around three kilometres from his village.

During questioning, the friend allegedly informed police that the accused had been moving between different taluks, spending nights at temples and bus stations to avoid arrest.

Police also learned that he had purchased a new SIM card and an old mobile phone from the Kadabagere area.

Friend’s Information Helped Police Track Suspect

Investigators said the friend further revealed that the accused had been seeking advice regarding anticipatory bail in connection with a murder case.

The information provided by the friend reportedly included the suspect’s new mobile number, which helped police track his location.

Using mobile tower data and surveillance inputs, officers eventually located the accused in his native village and took him into custody.

Accused Allegedly Confessed During Interrogation

Police officials stated that the accused initially portrayed himself as a grieving father and denied involvement in the crime.

However, after sustained questioning and presentation of evidence, he allegedly confessed to killing his daughter.

Authorities are continuing further investigation into the case.

Honour Killing Cases Continue To Raise Concern

The incident has once again highlighted the serious issue of honour killings and family pressure related to relationships and marriage choices in India.

Social activists and legal experts have repeatedly raised concerns over crimes committed in the name of family reputation, caste, or social status.

Experts say such incidents underline the urgent need for:

• Stronger social awareness
• Better protection mechanisms for vulnerable individuals
• Faster intervention in family conflict cases
• Greater mental health and counselling support

Police have not yet released additional details regarding possible charges or court proceedings, but the case has already triggered widespread public discussion across the state.