Daijiworld Media Network - Puttur
Puttur, Jan 22: In a harrowing incident that sent shockwaves through the local legal fraternity, a 35-year-old man attempted to end his life by consuming pesticide inside the 5th Additional Court in Puttur on Thursday.
The victim, identified as Ravi, a resident of Kavu Maniyadka, chose the presence of a presiding judge to carry out the extreme act following a volatile domestic dispute that had reached a legal breaking point.
The courtroom drama began when Ravi unexpectedly entered the premises during active proceedings. Witnesses described a chilling scene as he produced a bottle containing a pesticide known as ‘Karate’—a chemical frequently used in cashew plantations as a substitute for the banned Endosulfan—and consumed it before anyone could intervene.
The severity of the act was immediate. Ravi began vomiting within the courtroom, prompting a frantic rescue effort by court staff and bystanders who rushed him to the Puttur Government Hospital.
The roots of the tragedy trace back to a crumbling marriage between Ravi and his wife, Vidyashree. The relationship had reportedly turned violent just two days prior when Ravi allegedly attempted to strangle Vidyashree during a heated argument.
Following the assault, the matter was escalated to the Sampya Rural police, and Ravi was expected to be formally charged today. Amidst the pressure of the impending criminal case and ongoing divorce negotiations, the police had summoned him to appear at the station this morning. Instead, he bypassed the authorities and headed straight to the court to commit the desperate act.
In a bizarre twist, the judiciary appeared to have had some forewarning. Reports suggest that the judge, sensing an unusual atmosphere or having received prior intelligence regarding Ravi’s state of mind, had earlier cautioned the court staff to remain vigilant. Despite these precautions, the speed of the incident left the gallery stunned.
Following the suicide attempt, the narrative took an unexpected emotional turn. In the wake of the life-threatening crisis, the estranged couple appeared to find a moment of reconciliation. As Ravi’s condition was deemed critical, necessitating his transfer to a hospital in Mangaluru for advanced treatment, Vidyashree was seen accompanying him in the same ambulance, staying by his side throughout the journey.
While his condition remains grave, the local police have initiated an investigation into the security lapse and the circumstances leading to the public attempt on his life.