BENGALURU: The investigation into the death of five-year-old Vennela took a fresh turn with the arrest of her mother, Priyanka. The 39-year-old advocate was arrested from a farmhouse in Sakleshpur on Thursday, police said. This comes days after she and her live-in partner, Mohan G, were booked on charges of murder based on a complaint filed by the child's father. Her live-in partner, who is the prime accused in the case, was arrested earlier.
The child, Vennela, was found dead on March 25 this year, police said. Following the case registered on June 4 at Kadugodi police station, Priyanka left Bengaluru. She initially went to Mysuru before moving to Sakleshpur in an attempt to evade arrest, they added.
According to a senior police official, during the investigation, Mohan allegedly confessed to killing the child by assaulting and smothering her inside the car. Investigators are now questioning Priyanka about the circumstances leading to the child's death, the motive behind the murder, and whether she was also part of the conspiracy.
They are also probing if Priyanka's alleged dissatisfaction with her daughter's complexion may have been a factor in the motive behind the murder. The girl's father, in his complaint, alleged that Priyanka gave contradictory accounts of the events leading up to Vennela's death. While she initially claimed the child had eaten biryani on the night of March 24 and was found dead the next morning, she later allegedly told him that Vennela had been left asleep in an air-conditioned car while she and Mohan celebrated her birthday at a cafe in Kolar, and was found dead the following day after being brought home.
The father approached police suspecting that the accused had intentionally killed the child and attempted to destroy evidence. Further investigation is underway.
Case Background
The arrest of Priyanka marks a significant development in the case. Police are now focusing on the exact sequence of events and the role of the mother in the crime. The investigation has revealed inconsistencies in the statements given by the accused.
Motive Under Scrutiny
Authorities are exploring various angles, including the possibility that the child's complexion was a source of dissatisfaction for Priyanka. This aspect is being thoroughly investigated to understand the motive behind the murder.
The father's complaint has been crucial in piecing together the events. He has provided evidence of contradictory statements made by Priyanka regarding the circumstances of Vennela's death.
Legal Proceedings
Both Priyanka and Mohan G are now in police custody. They are expected to be produced before a court soon. The police are gathering forensic evidence and witness statements to build a strong case.
The case has drawn significant attention in Bengaluru, raising questions about child safety and parental responsibility. The investigation continues as authorities seek justice for Vennela.
