A 27-year-old man from Mysuru district, Karnataka, was found dead two days after he was accused of sexually assaulting and impregnating a 17-year-old girl. The man’s death, which police suspect to be a case of suicide, has sparked widespread discussion about the devastating impact of false accusations and the complex social consequences of such allegations. According to police, the deceased left behind an audio message in which he professed his innocence and claimed he was being falsely implicated by the school administration to shield the real culprit.

The man, whose name has not been officially disclosed by the police, was reported missing on October 31. His friends and family grew concerned when they lost contact with him that evening. Before disappearing, however, he reportedly sent an audio message to several friends and relatives around 7:30 p.m., in which he emotionally defended himself against the allegations. In the recording, he maintained that he had no connection with the girl and that the accusations had destroyed his reputation and left him unable to live with dignity.

“I am not the one who made the student pregnant. The accusation is false. I have no connection with her. I’m being wrongly accused,” he said in the message. The recording also included claims that the school administration, where the 17-year-old girl studied, was attempting to conceal the matter to protect its image. According to his message, doctors had examined the girl and confirmed her pregnancy, but the school authorities wanted to suppress the truth to prevent scandal and public outrage.

The man went on to name a physical education teacher at the school, alleging that the instructor was the real reason he was being falsely implicated. “The PT master is responsible for everything. He is the reason I am being blamed,” the message stated. He concluded his message by demanding that authorities conduct a DNA test to determine the true culprit and deliver justice. The tone of the message was described as despondent yet pleading, as he insisted that only a scientific test could clear his name.

Following his disappearance, police launched a search operation after receiving a missing person complaint from his family. During the search, officers discovered his motorcycle, slippers, jacket, and mobile phone abandoned near the Tunga stream in Bettadathunga village, located in the Piriyapatna taluk of Mysuru district. These items raised fears that he might have harmed himself. On November 2, two days after he went missing, his body was recovered from the water by the fire and emergency services team.

Hunasur Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) Gopala Krishna confirmed the recovery and provided preliminary details of the investigation. “We registered a missing complaint on October 31, and the body was recovered on November 2. We also recovered the voice message and his mobile phone. We will ensure justice for the deceased and will conduct a DNA test,” he said. The officer further added that a case of unnatural death has been registered at the Bettadapura Police Station, and a full investigation is underway.

Senior police officials have stated that the voice note shared by the deceased is now in their custody and will be sent for forensic examination to confirm its authenticity. They also intend to match the DNA of the deceased with that of the unborn child to verify his claim. The police said that all statements made in the audio message would be carefully investigated, including the allegations against the school’s physical education teacher.

Investigators are also examining the events that led up to the accusation and the alleged efforts by the school administration to manage the fallout. According to preliminary information, the 17-year-old girl’s pregnancy came to light when she began showing physical symptoms, prompting her guardians to take her for medical evaluation. When doctors confirmed the pregnancy, questions were raised about who was responsible. The school reportedly initiated an internal inquiry, during which the 27-year-old man’s name surfaced. However, it remains unclear on what basis he was identified as the accused.

Sources familiar with the case have indicated that the man had previously worked in connection with the school in some capacity, which may have led to the suspicion. However, his family has firmly rejected the allegations, saying he was being made a scapegoat to protect others. “He was a simple, hardworking man who could never do such a thing. The false accusation broke him. He could not bear the humiliation,” a relative reportedly said.

Legal experts observing the case have highlighted that while the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act provides essential safeguards for minors, it is equally important that investigations are thorough and evidence-based. “Every accusation, especially one involving such serious charges, must be supported by proper investigation and scientific verification,” one legal analyst noted. “If it turns out that he was falsely accused, it raises serious questions about the mechanisms that allow such premature judgments to destroy lives.”

Psychologists have also emphasized the mental toll that public accusation and social stigma can have on individuals, particularly in close-knit rural communities. Once someone is accused of sexual misconduct, they often face immediate social isolation and loss of dignity, even before any formal evidence is presented. “In small communities, reputational damage spreads fast and can feel irreversible,” a counselor explained. “When someone feels that their entire identity and honor are being questioned unjustly, the emotional burden can be overwhelming.”

The case has prompted calls for greater accountability and transparency in handling sensitive sexual assault investigations. Activists have urged that DNA testing be expedited in such cases to ensure that innocent individuals are not wrongly implicated. “Justice must protect both the victim and the accused until the truth is established,” said one Mysuru-based social worker. “Delays or bias in investigation can destroy lives on either side.”

As of now, police are waiting for the forensic and DNA test results, which will be crucial in determining whether the deceased man had any involvement in the minor’s pregnancy. Meanwhile, the local community remains divided, with some expressing sympathy for the deceased and others waiting for the investigation to confirm facts before drawing conclusions.

The Bettadapura police have assured that the case will be handled with fairness and scientific scrutiny. “We will look into every angle — from the allegation itself to the authenticity of the audio message and the school’s role. The forensic results will guide our next steps,” DySP Gopala Krishna said.

The tragedy has cast a shadow over the small Mysuru taluk, highlighting how allegations of sexual assault — whether true or false — can have far-reaching consequences. The case underscores the need for careful, evidence-driven investigation processes and the importance of mental health support for individuals facing public accusation. As the investigation continues, the man’s death stands as a sobering reminder of how reputational damage, social stigma, and lack of immediate recourse to justice can push individuals to the brink.

Police have stated that once forensic reports are received, further action will be taken accordingly. Until then, the Bettadapura police have appealed to the public and media to refrain from speculation and allow the investigation to proceed without prejudice. The incident has once again brought into focus the delicate balance between ensuring justice for victims and protecting individuals from irreversible harm caused by premature or false accusations.