A retired driver from the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) committed a shocking act of violence before taking his own life, plunging a family into tragedy. The man, identified as 65-year-old Somashekar, strangled his 60-year-old wife, Parvathamma, who was paralyzed and bedridden for several years. The incident occurred at their residence in Jalahalli, North Bengaluru.
A Desperate Act in Jalahalli
The grim discovery was made on a Tuesday morning when concerned family members, unable to reach the couple by phone, visited their home. Upon arrival, they found the doors locked from inside. With growing alarm, they alerted the local police. Officers from the Jalahalli police station arrived at the scene and forced entry into the house.
Inside, they encountered a heartbreaking scene. Somashekar's body was found hanging from a ceiling fan in one room. In an adjacent room, his wife, Parvathamma, lay dead on her bed. Preliminary investigation and post-mortem reports confirmed the sequence of events: Somashekar had first strangled his ailing wife before ending his own life.
The Strain of Long-Term Caregiving
While the police investigation is ongoing, initial inquiries point to the immense psychological and emotional strain of long-term caregiving as a potential factor. Parvathamma had been paralyzed for a significant period, requiring constant attention and care. Friends and relatives indicated that Somashekar, as her primary caregiver, had been under tremendous stress managing her condition.
The couple is survived by their son, Manjunath, who lives separately with his own family. The police have registered a case of murder and suicide and are conducting a thorough investigation. They are examining all angles, including the possibility of underlying health issues or financial pressures that may have contributed to this extreme step.
Community Shock and Broader Implications
The incident has sent shockwaves through the Jalahalli neighborhood and the wider Bengaluru community. It has sparked urgent conversations about the mental health challenges faced by elderly caregivers, especially those looking after spouses with severe disabilities. The tragedy underscores the critical need for robust support systems, including counseling services, respite care, and community intervention programs for families in similar situations.
Authorities have emphasized the importance of seeking help during times of overwhelming distress. The police confirmed that no suicide note was found at the scene, making the investigation reliant on statements from family and forensic evidence. The bodies were handed over to the family after the mandatory post-mortem procedures were completed.
This devastating event in Bengaluru serves as a somber reminder of the silent crises that can unfold behind closed doors. It highlights the imperative for society to extend empathy and practical support to caregivers, potentially preventing such unbearable outcomes in the future.
