In first case under new BNS in Karnataka, cop arrested for killing wife

In one of the first criminal cases in Karnataka under the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, (BNS), which replaces the Indian Penal Code (IPC) from Monday, July 1, a policeman was arrested for allegedly killing his wife in the office of the police commissioner Hassan.

A policeman working in the SP’s office, identified as Lokanath, allegedly stabbed his 37-year-old wife Mamatha when she came to lodge a complaint against her husband.

The officer said this is probably the first case registered under BNS against a police officer in Karnataka. The Hassan city police have registered a case under Section 103 BNS (whoever commits murder shall be punished with death or imprisonment for life and shall also be liable to fine) and the investigation is underway.

According to a police officer, relations between the couple have been strained recently. The officer said Mamatha planned to meet Mohammad Sujeetha MS, SP, Hassan and file a complaint against Lokanath. After spotting her, Lokanath started a fight and stabbed Mamatha. When she fell to the ground bleeding, Lokanath fled the scene. However, he was later caught.

Police officers present at the scene took Mamatha to a nearby hospital, where doctors pronounced her dead. Her body was sent for autopsy and her family members staged a protest demanding justice.

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) will replace the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860, the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), 1973 and the Indian Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 and the Evidence Act, 1872, respectively.