HIV stigma horror: Sister, brother-in-law kill man in Karnataka

In a chilling case of HIV-related stigma, a 23-year-old man was allegedly murdered by his sister and brother-in-law in Karnataka’s Chitradurga district to “protect the family’s honour.”

The victim, Mallikarjun, was a resident of Dummi village in Holalkere taluk. Police have arrested his sister, Nisha, while her husband, Manjunath, remains absconding.

According to the investigation, the accused strangled Mallikarjun after learning that he was HIV-positive. They allegedly feared that his medical condition would bring shame to the family.

Mallikarjun lived with his parents and had been working at a private firm in Bengaluru, regularly visiting his family. On July 23, while returning to his village in a friend’s car, the vehicle collided with a stationary truck, leaving him seriously injured. His friends also sustained injuries.

Initially admitted to a hospital in Chitradurga, Mallikarjun was later shifted to a private hospital in Davanagere for further treatment. During pre-surgical routine blood tests, doctors discovered that he was HIV-positive. A rod was inserted in his leg during surgery, but due to uncontrollable bleeding, doctors advised transferring him to another hospital.

Nisha then suggested shifting him to a hospital in Bengaluru. Their father, Nagarajappa, requested that Nisha and Manjunath accompany Mallikarjun for further treatment. On the evening of July 25, Nisha informed her father that they were taking him to Bengaluru. However, they later returned with his body, claiming he had died en route.

Growing suspicious, Nagarajappa questioned his daughter and son-in-law. Nisha reportedly confessed that Mallikarjun had disclosed his HIV status and mounting debts, and expressed a desire to end his life.

She further admitted that they strangled him with a blanket, believing his HIV diagnosis had brought disgrace to the family and could endanger their parents.

Following this shocking revelation, Nagarajappa lodged a complaint at the Holalkere police station. A case has been registered, and a manhunt is underway to locate Manjunath as investigations continue.