HAVERI : A pregnant woman, Arunakumari, on Thursday survived an ordeal by clinging to a rock throughout the night in cold water after being pushed into the overflowing Thungabhadra river allegedly by her husband. The incident took place at Pattepur village in Haveri district. After her husband pushed her into water, the strong currents swept her downstream for about to 2km, where luckily she found a rock, to which she clung on to till Friday morning and survived. The woman’s husband Rupeshgouda has been arrested. An argument between the couple over having a baby is said to have been the trigger for the incident.
Police said, “According to villagers, the couple lived a happy life. However, after Arunakumari became pregnant, Rupeshgouda insisted that she get an abortion.”Police said, “Since she wasn’t ready for an abortion, Rupeshgouda planned to kill her. On Thursday, he took her to Karibasappajja Temple at Ukkadagatri village and the duo offered pooja. In the evening, he took her near the river and allegedly pushed her into the water and returned to his hometown. Arunakumari drifted along with the river current for over 2kms in the night, clung to a rock in the middle of the river and spent the whole night there.”
Police said, “Arunakumari cried for help, but no one came to her rescue. Finally, on Friday morning, some villagers rescued her.” Her family members were informed who then filed a filed a complaint. Police sub-inspector Aravind said, “Rupeshgouda has been arrested on Saturday and a case has been registered under Sec 307 of Indian Penal Code. Further investigation is on. Arunakumari is very tired and is not in a position to talk. She is being treated at Rattihalli government hospital.”