Mother, live-in partner booked for murder of five-year-old girl

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, Jun 6, 2026: Kadugodi police have arrested a 40-year-old realtor in connection with the alleged murder of a five-year-old girl in Seegehalli, on the outskirts of Bengaluru.

The accused, identified as Mohan G.M., was reportedly in a live-in relationship with the victim’s mother, Priyanka.

The victim, Vennila, was found dead under suspicious circumstances on March 25. Initially treated as a case of unnatural death, the investigation took a turn after the post-mortem report revealed signs of assault and suffocation, prompting police to register a murder case.

According to police, Vennila had been living with her mother in a villa at Seegehalli after Priyanka sought a divorce from her husband, Praveen, and began residing with Mohan, a former college friend.

Investigators said Priyanka, who is an advocate, gave conflicting accounts regarding the child’s death. In one statement, she claimed Vennila had fallen ill after consuming biryani. In another, she allegedly said the child had been left inside a car with the air-conditioner running while she visited a café.

Suspicions grew after Praveen obtained the post-mortem report and approached senior police officials seeking justice for his daughter. Based on the findings and his complaint, police registered a murder case against both Priyanka and Mohan.

Preliminary investigations have also indicated that Priyanka was reportedly unhappy with the child’s complexion, police sources said.

Mohan has been taken into police custody for further interrogation, while Priyanka remains absconding. Police teams have launched a search operation to trace and apprehend her.