Belagavi: A 25-year-old woman was allegedly strangled by her lover near Gokak Falls following a dispute over marriage, police said.The victim was identified as Rakshita Sarikar, a resident of Harugeri village in Raibag taluk. The accused, Basappa Siddappa Satannavar, is from Adalahatti village in Athani taluk.According to a complaint by Rakshita’s family, Basappa had been in a relationship with her for four years after allegedly promising marriage, but repeatedly postponed it, leading to frequent disagreements.On Oct 28, Basappa allegedly took Rakshita from Harugeri to Gokak Falls, where an argument broke out over marriage. He allegedly assaulted and slapped her, strangled her with his hands and then tightened a rope around her neck, causing her death, the complaint said.The family alleged that Basappa dumped her body in dense thorny bushes on a slope near the falls to destroy evidence before fleeing.The incident came to light after the body was found. Gokak Town police have registered a case and are trying to apprehend the accused. Further investigation is under way.
