Daijiworld News Network - Mangalore (GA)

Mangalore, Mar 16: Nagraj Bhat (24), a resident of Bendorewell here has been arrested by Women police on Tuesday March 14 for attempting to kill his wife Reshma (19) alias Veronica.

Nagraj Bhat is the son of Subrahmanya Bhat of Brahmavar near Udupi.  He was the member of noted magician Prahlad Acharya's group.  Then he moved to the theatre group of Basuma Kodagu.  During his days with Basuma Kodagu, he fell in love with his co-artiste Veronica Fernandes of Moodbelle. 

Veronica had lost her father when she was very young.  Her mother is under depression for long.  So she was looked after by one Kusuma of Nittoor.  Her love with acting and theatre activities had made her to join Basuma Kodagu group where she met and fell in love with Nagraj.  Their love soon resulted in the birth of their son Arun even before marriage.

At this point Nagraj refused to marry Veronica.  But the artistes of Udaya Kala Yuvaka Mandala of Kalmadi near Udupi came to the help of Veronica.  Accordingly Nagraj married Veronica on March 14, 2005 in the sub registrar’s office at Brahmavar.  Veronica changed her name as Reshma after marriage.  They shifted their base to the city after marriage.

However, Nagraj who was not happy with the marriage, started harassing his wife Reshma thereafter. Having no other way for livelihood, she joined noted musician Noushad's group.  But Nagraj continued to harass Reshma despite her second pregnancy.

On Tuesday Nagraj once again came home drunk and started beating up Reshma and son Arun.  He demanded her to give him Rs 20,000 as she had not given dowry during their marriage.  Thereafter, under the influence of alcohol, he beat her up.  Having no other option, Reshma ran out of the house and shouted for help.  The neighbours came to her help.  They caught Nagraj and thrashed him.  Later he was handed over to the police.

The police arrested and produced him before the court, which in turn remanded him for judicial custody till Friday March 24.