Prominent Kannada Writer and Publisher Asha Raghu Found Dead in Bengaluru

The Kannada literary community is in mourning following the tragic death of acclaimed novelist and publisher Asha Raghu. The 46-year-old writer was found dead at her residence in Malleswaram on Saturday, January 10, 2026.

Details of the Incident

According to police reports, the incident came to light when Asha’s daughter, Upasana, and a nurse who assisted with her care, realized she had not emerged from her bedroom. After repeated knocks went unanswered, family members and neighbors broke open the door to find her body.

Preliminary investigations by the Malleswaram police suggest the cause of death was suicide. While no suicide note was recovered from the scene, authorities have registered a case of “unnatural death.” Following a post-mortem examination, her remains were handed over to her family for final rites.

A Life Devoted to Art and Literature

Asha Raghu was a versatile figure in Karnataka’s cultural landscape. Born on June 18, 1979, she pursued a Master’s degree in Kannada from Bangalore University. Her career was a tapestry of various creative roles:

• Novelist & Storyteller: She was widely respected for her deep, reflective writing. Her notable novels include Aavarta, Gata, Maaye, and Chittaranga.
• Publisher: She founded Upasana Books in 2014, a publishing house dedicated to nurturing new voices in Kannada literature.
• Television & Film: Beyond books, she contributed significantly as a dialogue writer and assistant director for popular television serials like Muktha Muktha and Malebillu. She also worked as a script assistant for the film Maathad Maathadu Mallige.
• Actress: She had briefly appeared on screen, showcasing her talent in serials such as Paapa Pandu.

Personal Struggles

Sources close to the family revealed that Asha had been struggling with severe depression for the past two years. This period of grief followed the passing of her husband, K.C. Raghu, a well-known food expert and nutritionist, who died after a battle with lung cancer. Despite continuing her professional work and living with her daughter, the emotional toll of her husband’s death reportedly weighed heavily on her.

Tributes Pour In

The Kannada Writers and Publishers Association expressed profound grief, stating that her passing has created a “void that cannot be easily filled.” Her colleagues remembered her as a dedicated individual who was deeply committed to cultural activities and the betterment of Kannada letters.

Asha Raghu is survived by her daughter, Upasana, and a legacy of literature that continues to resonate with readers across Karnataka.