Murder Case Filed in Bengaluru After Shocking Death of Six-Year-Old

In a heartbreaking case from Bengaluru, the death of six-year-old Vennila has led to a murder investigation against her mother and her partner. Disturbing details have emerged, including allegations of abuse and a chilling account of the events leading to her death. The child's father raised suspicions that prompted a deeper inquiry, revealing a troubling narrative of violence and neglect. As the investigation unfolds, authorities are awaiting forensic reports to shed light on this tragic incident. Read on for a comprehensive overview of the case and its implications.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 11, 2026, 13:42 IST

Tragic Death of Vennila Sparks Investigation

Photo: @HateDetectors/X

Bengaluru, June 11: Three months following the tragic death of six-year-old Vennila in the Kadugodi area of Bengaluru, alarming revelations have surfaced during the police inquiry, resulting in a murder charge against the child's mother and her alleged partner.

The investigation has uncovered disturbing evidence of abuse inflicted on the child by the accused.

Authorities allege that Vennila was killed by her mother, Priyanka P., and her boyfriend, Mohan J. Mahaningappa, who reportedly viewed the child as a hindrance to their relationship.

The incident was first reported on March 25 at a villa in Seegehalli, under the jurisdiction of the Kadugodi police. Initially classified as an unnatural death, the case was reopened for further investigation after the child's father, Praveen Basappa, raised suspicions regarding the circumstances of her death.

According to police reports, Mohan is accused of physically assaulting Vennila after she requested a different flavor of ice cream, allegedly punching her in the abdomen. When she cried out in pain, he is said to have strangled her to death.

After the incident, it is claimed that Priyanka and Mohan spent nearly 12 hours with Vennila's body, driving around the city before finally reporting her death.

Praveen, who married Priyanka in 2007 and has two daughters, alleged that she resumed a relationship with her college acquaintance Mohan in late 2025 and moved in with him in Bengaluru after seeking a divorce.

While their elder daughter remained with Praveen in Davanagere, Vennila lived with Priyanka. Reports indicate that Mohan had also abandoned his own family for Priyanka and purchased the villa where they resided.

Investigators suspect that Vennila was subjected to ongoing abuse, as Mohan reportedly viewed her as an obstacle to his relationship with Priyanka. Both individuals are accused of mistreating the child on several occasions.

Praveen learned of Vennila's death from Priyanka's brother on March 25. When he inquired about the incident, Priyanka provided inconsistent accounts. At one point, she claimed Vennila had eaten biryani the night before, and at another, she stated the child had ice cream and was left sleeping in an air-conditioned car while she and Mohan attended a birthday party.

Concerned by the conflicting stories, Praveen obtained the post-mortem report and consulted a pediatric specialist in the UK, who raised alarms about the circumstances surrounding Vennila's death, prompting Praveen to report his suspicions of assault and suffocation to the police.

In his complaint, Praveen alleged that Priyanka and Mohan intended to start a new life together and were considering having a child through IVF, claiming that Vennila had become an obstacle to their plans and accusing them of murdering her to cover up their actions.

Following the complaint and further investigation, authorities have filed murder charges against Priyanka and Mohan. The police are currently awaiting forensic reports and other expert analyses as the investigation continues.