College student Damini Palav killed in Sindhudurg; accused Sahil Dhuri arrested

A college student, Damini Palav, was killed in Verde Kadaval village in Kudal taluka of Sindhudurg district, sending shockwaves across the district. Unrequited love is suspected to be the motive.

The Local Crime Branch has taken the accused, Sahil Dhuri, into custody from the house where he lives. The incident has once again raised the question of women's safety.

According to the information available, Dhuri and Palav had got to know each other through social media. Dhuri is suspected to have developed one-sided feelings for her. Palav had not responded to his affection. Her marriage was then fixed, which is suspected to have filled the accused with anger, and it is suspected that he acted in that anger.

Palav had travelled from college by an ST bus, got off in her village and was walking towards her home. The accused was reportedly standing at the spot waiting for her. He is said to have stopped her and insisted that she accept his love.

It is alleged that after Palav refused, the accused attacked her with a sharp weapon. She died in the attack.

Dhuri had absconded after the crime. A Local Crime Branch team took him into custody at night from the house where he lives. Police are also said to have seized his blood-stained clothes.

Police are gathering evidence in the case. The process of producing the accused in court is reportedly under way. Police are conducting further investigation into the murder of Damini Palav.

Attacks on women and serious crimes arising from one-sided love have brought the issue of women's safety back into discussion. When a person refuses a proposal of love, that decision must be respected. Harbouring anger over a refusal and responding with threats, stalking or violence is a serious matter. Caution is necessary when speaking to strangers on social media. Even so, responsibility for such crimes cannot be placed on the victim.