By The News Observer Desk,
Karwar, Uttara Kannada – Uttara Kannada Superintendent of Police (SP) Deepan has suspended the Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) of Kadra police station, citing serious lapses and negligence in the initial investigation of the suicide of 20-year-old Rishel D'Souza from Kadra village.
Rishel D'Souza died by suicide on January 9, 2026, by hanging herself at her residence in the KPC colony area. Her family lodged a complaint on January 10 at Kadra police station, alleging that Chirag Kotharkar (also reported as Chirag Chandrahas Kotharkar, aged 21), son of a local JD(S) leader and former Zilla Panchayat member Chaithra Kotharkar, subjected her to prolonged mental harassment and pressure to accept a romantic relationship. The family claims Chirag stalked her, repeatedly tormented her (including statements like "you should die" if she rejected him), and that there are suspicions of physical assault (including bite marks noted during post-mortem and calls for a second autopsy).
Police registered a case under relevant sections, including abetment to suicide (BNS Section 108). However, the accused reportedly went absconding soon after the complaint, evading arrest despite police teams searching for him.
The case sparked significant public outrage, with the victim's family, local Christian community members, and villagers accusing the police of inaction and delay in arresting the suspect. The family wrote letters to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Home Minister G. Parameshwara, the SP, and the Deputy Commissioner, demanding justice and stern action.
In response to mounting criticism over investigative failures — such as delays in key steps, inadequate evidence collection, and failure to promptly apprehend the accused — SP Deepan conducted an internal review. Finding the lapses grave, he ordered the immediate suspension of Kadra PSI Sunil Bandiwaddar (as reported in local media) with effect from the order date.
