Rekha was married to Nagaraj around three years ago. Police said that the relationship between Rekha and her in-laws was peaceful at first. However, disputes reportedly began within six months of the marriage, mainly over agricultural and household work.
Due to frequent quarrels, Rekha and Nagaraj had earlier moved to Hirehanagi village and lived separately for some time.
After Rekha became pregnant, her in-laws persuaded the couple to return to Chikkahanagi, saying the family should stay together. However, police said that old tensions soon returned and arguments once again became common.
On January 28, one such argument allegedly turned violent, leading to the fatal attack.