Shilpa (22), a young Hindu girl and a BCA student from Chikkamallur in Shiggaon taluk, tragically took her own life after being relentlessly blackmailed and mentally tortured by Islamist Mohammed Ramzan Nadaf, a furniture shop owner from Haveri. The disturbing incident has ignited widespread outrage and condemnation across the state amid the rising cases of targeted assaults on Hindus and minor Hindu girls.
Shilpa was in a relationship with Naveen, an employee at Nadaf’s shop. The harassment began when Nadaf, after a personal dispute with Naveen, stole his phone, accessed his private messages, and began targeting Shilpa. He threatened to expose her relationship with Naveen, falsely accusing her of stealing money and pressuring her mentally with constant phone calls.
Nadaf’s blackmailing campaign escalated, leaving Shilpa emotionally devastated. Unable to cope with the harassment, she tragically ended her life.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with political leaders and activists demanding swift action against the accused. Basavaraj Bommai, former chief minister and BJP MP, stated, “The truth behind the suicide of Shilpa is out. A person from another community harassed her. This is a clear case of mental torture, and the state government must not cover it up. Nadaf must be arrested immediately, and the family should be compensated with Rs 25 lakh.”
Pramod Muthalik, founder of the Hindu right-wing group Sriram Sene, also condemned the incident, saying, “This is not just a suicide, it’s a deliberate case of mental torture. Nadaf’s actions led to her tragic death. He should be arrested and booked for abetment to suicide without delay.”
Muthalik further revealed that Nadaf had been abusing his power over Naveen, withholding his salary and forcing him to take goods from the shop to pay for his mother’s medical treatment. These allegations point to a pattern of exploitation and coercion, shedding light on the broader issues of marginalization and intimidation faced by Hindu individuals in such cases.
Pattern of injustice under Congress rule
This incident comes against the backdrop of rising concerns about the safety of Hindu women in Karnataka, where incidents like these have become alarmingly frequent under the Congress-led government. There is increasing evidence that Islamic community members are exploiting communal sensitivities, knowing full well that the state’s political leadership may turn a blind eye to maintain its vote bank.
The reluctance of the Karnataka government to take swift action and ensure equal justice for all is fueling suspicion among the public. Hindu women and families across the state are now living in constant fear of harassment, exploitation, and threats from individuals emboldened by the state’s failure to protect them.
The death of Shilpa is a wake-up call to the state and its leadership. This is not just a tragedy; it is a serious crime that must be investigated thoroughly. The state must take swift and decisive action, free from political interference, to ensure that justice is served.
The Karnataka government cannot afford to ignore the pain and suffering of its Hindu daughters any longer. It is time to act—justice for Shilpa and all victims must be ensured immediately.
