MANDYA: A mother and her teenage daughter died by suicide at Dalavayi Kodihalli village in Malavalli taluk of Mandya district on Sunday. The deceased are Shakuntala, 43, wife of M Mahesh, and her 19-year-old daughter, Priya. Police said the tragedy was allegedly triggered by repeated threats from a local resident.A 35-year-old married neighbour, Muthuraju, had allegedly been pressuring Priya to marry him. The family strongly opposed the proposal, noting that he was already married and a father of three.
Mahesh and Shakuntala had reportedly warned him to stay away from their daughter. However, matters escalated after he learnt that the family was making arrangements for Priya’s marriage elsewhere. He then allegedly threatened Shakuntala over the phone, warning of dire consequences if they proceeded.Police said Shakuntala and Priya, distressed by the threats and fearing damage to the family’s honour, took the extreme step inside their home. Mahesh has lodged a complaint with the Halaguru police, who have registered a case and launched an investigation.

