Telangana HC orders immediate protection for widow facing threats after alleged honour killing

According to the petitioner, the murder was carried out by her own family members and their associates, who are currently in judicial custody.

By Legal Correspondent

Hyderabad: Justice T. Vinod Kumar of the Telangana High Court on Monday directed the police authorities to provide immediate protection to Kotla Bhargavi, the widow of Vadlakonda Krishna alias Mala Bunty, a Scheduled Caste youth who was murdered in an alleged case of honour killing earlier this year.

---

The Judge, hearing a writ petition filed by the 21-year-old petitioner, took serious note of the inaction by the concerned police officials, who had not responded to her repeated representations for protection with gunmen despite persistent threats to her life.

The petitioner, belonging to the BC (Goud) community, had married Krishna, a member of the Mala (SC) community, which allegedly provoked the brutal killing of her husband on January 26, 2025.

According to the petitioner, the murder was carried out by her own family members and their associates, who are currently in judicial custody. She submitted that threats of similar violence were being issued against her, both on social media and in person, especially during her visits to court to oppose bail for the accused.

Senior Advocate V. Raghunath contended that the State was under a statutory obligation to ensure her safety under Section 15A(1) of the SC & ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, which mandates protection to victims, dependents, and witnesses from intimidation or violence.

V. Raghunath stressed that the case highlighted the growing pattern of caste-based violence and honour killings, and called for an urgent state response.

The Court, while expressing displeasure over the “lethargic” attitude of the police in dealing with the petitioner’s representation, observed that the failure to act for nearly two months had left her vulnerable despite the gravity of the threats.

Taking note of the verified address of the petitioner, Justice Vinod Kumar issued interim directions to the police to extend immediate protection to her. The matter was adjourned for further hearing after the interim relief was granted.