Bidar, Karnataka – In a horrifying act of vigilante justice, a man from Maharashtra was tied to an electric pole and beaten to death in a Karnataka village over an alleged extramarital affair. The incident, which took place in Honnali village in Bidar district, has sent shockwaves across both states.
Who Was the Victim?
The deceased has been identified as Balaji Kamble, a resident of a village in Maharashtra’s Latur district, which shares a border with Karnataka. The cross-border social ties common in the region have been marred by this gruesome act of mob violence.
The Alleged Motive: A Forbidden Relationship
According to preliminary police investigations, Kamble was allegedly involved in an extramarital affair with a married woman from Honnali village. Her family had reportedly discovered the relationship and warned Kamble multiple times to end all contact. Police believe Kamble’s refusal to heed these warnings ultimately led to his murder.
A Premeditated and Brutal Attack
Reports suggest Kamble was lured to the village under false pretenses on the day of the incident. Upon his arrival, he was ambushed by the woman’s husband, father, brother, and other relatives. The enraged group overpowered Kamble, dragged him to a public area, and tied him to an electric pole.
Armed with sticks and other crude weapons, the mob then unleashed a merciless assault on the helpless man. Eyewitnesses stated the public lynching continued until Kamble collapsed with grievous injuries across his body.
Police Action and Arrests
By the time Aurad police arrived at the scene, Kamble was in critical condition. He was rushed to a nearby government hospital but succumbed to his extensive injuries during treatment.
Police have registered a case of murder, illegal assembly, and rioting. Three primary accused—the woman’s husband, father, and brother—have been arrested. Authorities are continuing their investigation to identify others who participated in the deadly assault.
A Grim Reminder of Mob Justice
This tragedy is more than a crime of passion; it highlights the persistent issue of mob justice in parts of the country. By taking the law into their own hands, the perpetrators acted as judge, jury, and executioner. The public nature of the crime, intended to serve as a brutal “lesson,” underscores a dangerous disregard for the judicial system and human life. As the investigation proceeds, this incident leaves behind disturbing questions about social intolerance and the violent consequences of defending perceived “honour.”
