Man in Bagalkot Held for Forcibly Shaving Wife’s Head Amid Affair Doubt
Umesh Kottalagi was arrested in Bagalkot for assaulting his wife and shaving her head over an unfounded affair suspicion.
A 31-year-old man has been arrested in Karnataka’s Bagalkot district for allegedly assaulting his wife and forcibly shaving her head after suspecting her of having an extramarital affair, police officials said on Tuesday.
The accused, identified as Umesh Kottalagi, had allegedly been harassing his wife for several months over what he perceived as “suspicious behaviour.” Police said repeated attempts by the woman’s parents and relatives to counsel the couple failed to stop the abuse.
The incident took place late on January 31 after an argument broke out when the woman reportedly delayed opening the door of their house. Enraged, Kottalagi allegedly locked the house from inside, physically assaulted her and forcibly shaved her head using an electric trimmer.
Investigators said the suspicion was triggered after another man had visited the house earlier to collect food. Kottalagi allegedly believed the visit indicated an illicit relationship, which led to the violent act.
Following the assault, the woman approached the police and lodged a complaint detailing the incident and the prolonged harassment. A case was registered at the Savalagi Police Station under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including assault and cruelty.
The accused was arrested soon after and has been remanded to judicial custody. Police said further investigation is underway to determine whether the woman had faced additional instances of abuse in the past. Authorities reiterated that acts of domestic violence and humiliation against women will be dealt with strictly under the law.
