Bengaluru Police Arrest Kitaganur Parents for Murder of 11-Month-Old Daughter

The Avalahalli Police in East Bengaluru have arrested a married couple, Shekappa and Vijayalakshmi, for allegedly murdering their 11-month-old baby girl at their home in Kitaganur village. The parents initially claimed the infant died from an accidental fall from a bed on June 9, but a post-mortem report received on June 22 revealed that the child died of multiple internal injuries and severe trauma.

According to the police, the father, Shekappa, initially approached officers claiming that the baby had fallen from a two-foot-tall bed while his wife, Vijayalakshmi, had fallen asleep during breastfeeding. The infant was rushed to East Point Hospital, where doctors declared her dead. Based on his complaint, the police registered the incident as an unnatural death.

However, the post-mortem report received on June 22 contradicted the parents' version of events. The medical examination revealed that the 11-month-old girl died from excessive internal bleeding and respiratory complications caused by multiple internal injuries. Doctors found injuries across her body, including her face, chest, legs, and private parts.

Investigators concluded that a fall from a bed measuring only two feet in height could not have caused such extensive and fatal trauma.

Subsequent police investigations revealed that a verbal altercation had broken out between Shekappa and Vijayalakshmi on the afternoon of June 9 when he returned home for lunch. During the fight, Vijayalakshmi kicked when the baby cried. In a burst of anger, Shekappa picked up the infant and threw her to the ground with force, causing the fatal internal trauma.

Witness statements recorded by the police indicated that the couple quarreled frequently. Witnesses also alleged that Vijayalakshmi was not affectionate towards her child and had an extramarital relationship with a neighbour.

Based on the medical evidence and witness testimonies, the Avalahalli Police registered a murder case against Shekappa and Vijayalakshmi under Section 103(1) read with Section 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Both parents have been arrested, and further investigation is currently underway.