Belagavi recently witnessed two contrasting stories, one that inspired society and another that raised serious concerns.
On one hand, the marriages of Vinayak (35) and Mallikarjuna (32), speech-impaired brothers from Shivanand Bharathi Nagar Layout in Bailhongal, sent a powerful message. Despite their disability, both work in a private company in Belagavi and lead independent lives. At Ganachari Kalyana Mantapa on Murugoda Road, Vinayak married Pavithra (29) from Antapur in Gubbi taluk, while Mallikarjuna wed Rajeshwari (26) from Hirekoppa village in Savadatti taluk. Their brides, both PUC-educated, chose to stand by partners who cannot speak, proving that determination matters more than physical limitations. Community leaders, relatives, and locals attended the ceremony, applauding the couples for setting an example.
In stark contrast, the district is also grappling with a serious case involving Basapur gram panchayat chairman Bhimashi Kallimani, accused of marrying a 15-year-old girl and making her pregnant. Zilla Panchayat CEO Rahul Shinde has written to the regional commissioner seeking Kallimani’s disqualification, acting on directions from the Belagavi District Legal Services Authority. The complaint, initially raised by GP member Basavanni Bijanaik and flagged by the KSCPCR, alleges that officials failed to intervene for months due to political pressure.
An FIR filed at Yamakanmardi police station, based on a complaint by NGO Spandana Sansthe, invokes the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, Pocso Act, and relevant BNS sections. The alleged marriage took place on November 5, 2023, and the minor is reported to have delivered a child nine months ago. Spandana’s Susheela P has thanked the legal services authority for pushing the long-delayed case forward.
