Due to the alleged instigation by the leader's son, the complaint stated, Rischel died by suicide on 9 January.
Published Jan 15, 2026 | 7:29 PM ⚊ Updated Jan 15, 2026 | 7:29 PM
Suicide. (Representative/ iStock)
Synopsis: A police officer at Kadra Circle Police Office told South First that a case of abetment to suicide has been registered against the accused. Currently, teams have been sent across Karwar, Goa and Bengaluru to search for the accused and his family who are absconding, the officer said.
Earlier this month, on 9 January, young woman named Rischel D’Souza allegedly died by suicide in Uttara Kannada’s Karwar after allegedly facing mental harassment from Chirag Kotharkar, the son of JD(S) leader Chaitra Kotharkar.
According to the complaint registered by her family member, Chirag was known to Rischel. He used to call and talk to her and would often hang around her house. He expressed his love for her, which Rischel rejected.
According to the FIR copy, “When the complainant’s daughter rejected the accused’s love, the accused addressed the complainant’s daughter and said, ‘There is no point in living. You should die anyway. It is better for you to die than to live’.”
Due to this instigation, the complaint stated, Rischel died by suicide on 9 January.
A police officer at Kadra Circle Police Office told South First that a case of abetment to suicide has been registered against the accused. Currently, teams have been sent across Karwar, Goa and Bengaluru to search for the accused and his family who are absconding, the officer said.
According to Asianet news, Rischel D’Souza’s family has submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Home Minister G Paremeshwara, and the DGP seeking justice. They have demanded the immediate arrest of the accused and that justice be served.
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Anisha Reddy)
