Bengaluru Parents Arrested for Infant Murder, Attempt to Stage as Accident

Bengaluru Police have arrested the parents of an 11-month-old infant on charges of murder, following a post-mortem that contradicted their claim of an accidental fall, officials said on Monday.

The child’s father, Shekeappa, initially reported to the Avalahalli Police Station on June 9 that his baby had fallen from a bed and died while his wife Vijayalakshmi was breastfeeding. The case was registered as an unnatural death.

However, the post-mortem report, received on June 22, revealed that the infant died from excessive internal bleeding and respiratory complications caused by multiple internal injuries. The report documented injuries to the face, chest, legs, and private parts. Police also noted that the bed was only about two feet high, and a fall from that height could not have caused such severe injuries.

Further investigation uncovered that on the afternoon of June 9, a verbal altercation occurred between the couple when Shekeappa returned home for lunch. According to police, during the fight, Vijayalakshmi kicked the crying baby. In a burst of anger, Shekeappa picked up the infant and threw her forcefully to the ground, causing internal trauma.

Witness statements collected by police indicated frequent quarrels between the couple. Some witnesses alleged that Vijayalakshmi had an extramarital relationship with a neighbour and showed little affection toward her child. These statements, along with the medical evidence, led police to charge both parents with murder.

The Avalahalli Police have registered a case under Section 103(1) read with Section 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against Shekeappa and Vijayalakshmi. They are currently in custody, and further investigation is underway.

The incident took place in Kitaganur village under the jurisdiction of Avalahalli Police Station in East Bengaluru. The baby was taken to East Point Hospital, where she was declared dead upon arrival.