Drunk Husband Shaves Wife’s Head In Domestic Abuse Case In Karnataka

Last Updated:February 04, 2026, 11:27 IST

he husband allegedly dragged his wife, assaulted her and forcefully shaved her head. Police said the act was carried out to demean her and prevent her from “attracting attention”.

Investigators say the accused husband had been harbouring baseless suspicions about his wife for some time, leading to frequent quarrels at home. In pic: Accused, Image: News18

A disturbing case of domestic violence has emerged from Jamkhandi in Bagalkot district of Karnataka, where a man allegedly shaved his wife’s head after suspecting her character. The incident, reported from Todalabagi village, has triggered outrage among local residents and renewed conversations around domestic abuse rooted in suspicion and control.

According to police, the act was intended to humiliate the woman and assert dominance, turning a domestic dispute into a criminal offence.

Investigators say the accused husband had been harbouring baseless suspicions about his wife for some time, leading to frequent quarrels at home. These disputes reportedly escalated due to a combination of jealousy, controlling behaviour and alcohol consumption.

On the day of the incident, the argument turned violent. The husband allegedly dragged his wife, assaulted her and forcefully shaved her head. Police sources said the act was carried out deliberately to demean her and prevent her from “attracting attention", reflecting deep-seated misogyny and abuse.

The Incident and Its Immediate Impact

The incident occurred in Todalabagi village, located near Jamkhandi, an area that has since been shaken by the brutality of the act. Residents described the incident as inhuman and deeply shameful, especially as it was inflicted by the woman’s own husband.

Villagers gathered soon after learning about the assault, expressing anger and shock. Several locals said such acts had no place in a society that claims to be progressing, calling for strict legal action to deter similar crimes.

Police Response and Arrest

Following a complaint from the victim, officials from Savalagi Police Station rushed to the spot and recorded her statement. Based on the preliminary investigation, a case was registered under relevant sections of law related to assault and domestic violence.

The accused husband, identified as Umesh, was taken into custody shortly after the complaint was filed. Police confirmed that he has been arrested and is being processed for judicial custody. Further investigation is underway to establish the full sequence of events and any prior history of abuse.

Wider Anger and Calls for Accountability

Women’s rights groups and members of the public have strongly condemned the incident, calling it a stark reminder of how suspicion and patriarchal control continue to manifest as violence against women. Activists stressed that humiliation-based abuse, such as forcibly shaving a woman’s head, is meant to strip her of dignity and autonomy.

They have demanded stringent punishment for the accused to send a clear message that such acts will not be tolerated. Several also called for stronger community awareness and early intervention in cases of domestic conflict before they escalate into violence.

While the police action has been swift, the incident has once again highlighted how alcohol abuse, unfounded suspicion and unchecked control can turn domestic spaces unsafe for women. For many in Bagalkot, the case is not just about one crime, but about the urgent need to confront domestic violence in all its forms. The investigation continues.

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