Karnataka man cuts off fiance's head, flees with it after engagement is called off

• Engagement ceremony halted in Karnataka's Madikeri by authorities due to underage marriage
• Fiancé Prakash accused of brutally beheading Meena after barging into her home
• Legal action initiated against Prakash under IPC Sections 307 and 302

A shocking incident unfolded in Karnataka's Madikeri as a 16-year-old girl was allegedly beheaded by her 32-year-old fiancé, Prakash, hours after authorities halted their engagement ceremony. The gruesome act took place on Thursday, leaving the community in disbelief.

The engagement ceremony, scheduled in Surlabbi village, was interrupted by officials from the Child Welfare Department upon receiving information about the underage bride-to-be. With legal implications looming under the POCSO and Child Marriage Acts, the ceremony was promptly halted, and both families agreed to postpone the marriage until the girl, Meena, reached the legal age of 18.

However, later that day when Prakash forcefully entered Meena's home, assaulting her parents before dragging her outside and allegedly beheading her. He then absconded from the scene, prompting a search operation by the authorities.

Superintendent of Police (Kodagu), Ramarajan K, affirmed, "All efforts are being taken to arrest the accused," highlighting the urgency of the situation. 

Authorities have registered a case against Prakash under Sections 307 (attempt to murder) and 302 (murder) of the Indian Penal Code, alongside relevant sections of the Protection of Children against Sexual Offences Act, reflecting the severity of the crime and the legal measures being pursued.