Bro-in-law, sis kill HIV patient for 'honour'

CHITRADURGA: A 23-year-old HIV-positive man was allegedly murdered by his sister and brother-in-law at Dummi village in Karnataka's Chitradurga district over the weekend, in what the couple claimed was a bid to protect 'family honour', given the patient's medical condition.

The victim's father filed a police complaint against his daughter and her husband, terming them "dishonest" and citing a property dispute as the murder motive. Police arrested the woman (25) and launched a search for her husband (38) who is currently on the run. "During interrogation, she admitted to killing her brother," a Holalkere Police official said.

On July 23, the patient met with an accident and underwent surgery at a private hospital in Davanagere. Later, doctors discovered he was HIV-positive and suggested his transfer to a hospital with specialised care. At the father's request, the couple arranged for transport for the move. They, however, returned with his body the next morning, claiming the patient died in transit.