Bengaluru Infant's Death: Father Arrested for Murder, Mother Missing After Autopsy

The Bengaluru police have arrested a 35-year-old tractor driver, Shakappa, for the alleged murder of his 11-month-old daughter, following an autopsy that revealed injuries inconsistent with an accidental fall. The infant’s mother, Vijayalakshmi, is absconding with their one-and-a-half-year-old son and is also under investigation.

According to police officials, the incident occurred on June 9 at a shed near Happy Garden in Kitaganur village, on the outskirts of Bengaluru. The couple initially reported that the infant had accidentally fallen from a cot while Vijayalakshmi was breastfeeding and fell asleep. The child was rushed to a private hospital, where she was declared dead.

Based on the initial complaint, a case of unnatural death was registered, and the body was sent for a post-mortem examination. However, the autopsy report revealed multiple injuries, including fractures, that contradicted the claim of a fall. The police then reclassified the case as murder and arrested Shakappa on Monday.

“During interrogation, Shakappa confessed to killing his daughter after a quarrel with his wife over his suspicion of her having an extramarital affair,” a senior police officer said, speaking on condition of anonymity. The officer added that the mother, Vijayalakshmi, had fled with their son and efforts are underway to trace her.

Neighbours described the couple as frequently quarrelling, but the police have not confirmed any prior history of domestic violence. The investigation is ongoing, and the police have urged the public to provide any information on the whereabouts of Vijayalakshmi.

The case highlights the importance of post-mortem examinations in uncovering the truth behind suspicious deaths, especially involving vulnerable individuals like infants. The Bengaluru police have reiterated their commitment to a thorough and impartial investigation.