Man arrested for killing 11-month-old daughter; mother’s role under scrutiny

Avalahalli police have arrested a tractor driver for allegedly brutally killing his 11-month-old daughter over a domestic dispute with his wife.

Police said a case of murder has been registered based on the postmortem report and circumstantial evidence.

According to the case registered at Avalahalli police station, the incident took place on June 9 at a shed in Kitaganur village. The child’s father, Shekappa, had initially informed the police that his 11-month-old daughter Renuka had accidentally fallen from the cot after her mother Vijayalakshmi fell asleep while breastfeeding. The infant was taken to a private hospital where doctors declared her brought dead.

Initially, an Unnatural Death Report (UDR) was registered and an investigation was initiated.

During the investigation and autopsy, investigators found multiple external injuries to the child’s face, chest, legs and private parts. Police said the injury did not appear consistent with a fall from the bed, which was found to be only about two feet high when the scene was inspected.

The investigation also included the statements of witnesses who allegedly claimed to the police that there were frequent domestic arguments between the couple and that the mother was allegedly indifferent to the second child. Investigators suspect that the child started crying during a heated argument between the couple. Enraged by this, she was allegedly kicked and thrown to the ground, resulting in fatal injuries.

An autopsy reportedly concluded that the child died of excessive internal bleeding and respiratory complications from multiple internal injuries.

Based on the medical report, witness statements and other circumstantial evidence, the police converted the case to a murder investigation under Section 103(1) read with Section 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Saidulu Adavath, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Whitefield Division, said, “Based on the post-mortem report and circumstantial evidence, a case of murder has been registered and the father of the child has been arrested. The role of the mother is being investigated and action will be taken accordingly.”

Published – 06 Jul 2026 23:52 IST