Dhanyashree, a 20-year-old B.Com student, was found hanging in her room on Saturday.

Bengaluru: A 20-year-old Hindu woman allegedly committed suicide after being hounded for sending a WhatsApp message that said “I love Muslims”. A local BJP youth wing leader has been arrested and police is on the lookout for four others.

Dhanyashree, a 20-year-old B.Com student, was found hanging in her room on Saturday, the police said. The incident took place at Mudigere town near Chikkamagaluru, also known as India’s coffee bowl.


The woman was chatting with her friend, Santhosh, on Friday when the conversation veered towards the futility of fighting over caste and religion. In a reply to a question posed by him, she had replied “I love Muslims”.

Anilraj, who is BJP Yuva Morcha’s Mudigere town president, went to the woman's house to warn her against befriending Muslims, police said.


Infuriated by her message, Santhosh warned her against having any kind of relationship with Muslims. He had also shared the screenshot of their conversation with local Bajrang Dal and VHP members. The screenshot of the message went viral, causing mental agony to Dhanyashree and her mother.

Chikkamagaluru SP M Annamalai said that some youths, including the BJP youth wing leader Anilraj, then visited her house on Friday evening and threatened her and her mother against being friendly with Muslims.


Dhanyashree committed suicide the next day. A note found near her body said the incident had ruined her personal life and education.

Police have arrested Anilraj, who is BJP Yuva Morcha’s Mudigere town president. The police have also launched a massive manhunt for the main accused Santhosh and three others.

“Five people had gone to her house. We have taken this incident seriously. All of them will be punished. Please don’t call it moral policing. Call it moral goondagiri,” the SP said. He added that action will be taken against others who shared the screenshot of the WhatsApp message.