What Drove Karnataka Man To Brutally Chop Anganwadi Worker's Nose?

On Tuesday, in Basurte village, Belagavi district, Karnataka, Kalyani More, a middle-aged resident of Basurte, confronted an Anganwadi worker, Sugandha More, in a fit of rage. The trigger? Innocent children, belonging to Sugandha, allegedly had plucked flowers from Kalyani's garden. What started as a dispute over a seemingly trivial matter quickly escalated into an unimaginable act of brutality.

The fact that the dispute originated from her children's innocent act of plucking flowers adds a layer of complexity to the incident. It begs the question: Why is it that women often find themselves at the receiving end of violence sparked by trivial matters?

The Incident

The confrontation escalated when Kalyani confronted Sugandha about the flower-plucking incident. In a fit of rage, Kalyani resorted to a violent act that has shocked the entire community. Without any restraint, he wielded a sharp object and severed More's nose, leaving her profusely bleeding and in critical condition.

Following the brutal attack, More was swiftly admitted to a local hospital, where medical professionals are working tirelessly to stabilize her condition. The severity of the assault has heightened concerns about the long-term consequences for More's health and well-being.

#Belgaum: Sugandha More (50) an anganwadi teacher's nose was cut off following a misunderstanding involving that involved a child plucking flowers in the vicinity in Basture village of Belagavi dist Karnataka on Jan 1.

Sugandha had taken the children for recess when the house… pic.twitter.com/GoMxyXrcEA

— Saba Khan (@ItsKhan_Saba) January 3, 2024

Police Launch Manhunt

In the aftermath of this heinous act, the local authorities have initiated a manhunt for Kalyani More, who is currently on the run. The repercussions of this incident extend beyond the immediate individuals involved. The entire Basurte village finds itself grappling with shock and disbelief as a seemingly trivial dispute escalates into a life-altering tragedy.

The Woman as the Unintended Target

What started as a simple childhood mistake evolved into a catalyst for a conflict that spiralled out of control.

Women, more often than not, find themselves at the receiving end of violence and consequences for actions that extend far beyond their control. Sugandha More's role as an Anganwadi worker, dedicated to community service, should have shielded her from such aggression. Instead, it appears that her gender made her vulnerable to an outburst of rage.

The question that looms large is why the consequences of an innocent mistake by children fell upon Sugandha More, who was merely a bystander to the act. This incident highlights a broader societal issue where women are held accountable for the actions of others, even when they play no direct role in the perceived transgressions.

Kalyani More's extreme response, chopping off Sugandha More's nose, highlights a dangerous manifestation of unchecked male rage. The incident brings to the forefront the urgent need to address and rectify toxic masculinity, which often leads to violent outbursts disproportionately directed at women, where men may feel an irrational need to assert dominance, even in situations as minor as children plucking flowers.

The case demands collective action to create a world where women are not unfairly burdened with the repercussions of innocent mistakes and where unchecked male rage is replaced by empathy and understanding.

Views expressed by the author are their own