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

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

The victim, 23-year-old Mallikarjun, was a resident of Dummi village in Holalkere taluk of Chitradurga district. The police have arrested his sister, Nisha, in connection with the case, while her husband, Manjunath, is absconding.

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

According to police, Mallikarjun lived with his parents in Dummi village. He had been working at a private firm in Bengaluru and frequently visited his family. On July 23, while traveling to his village in a friend’s car, the vehicle collided with a stationary truck, leaving Mallikarjun seriously injured. His friends also sustained injuries in the accident.