A 5-year-old child named Vennela was fatally abused and suffocated in Bengaluru, India, on March 24, 2026. The suspects are her mother Priyanka P., who is currently absconding, and Priyanka's partner Mohan G. Mahalingappa, who has been arrested. The case involves a high-conflict separation and custody dispute between Priyanka and her husband Praveen Basappa. Priyanka had begun a relationship with Mohan, leading to domestic tensions and a desire for divorce. The victim was subjected to physical abuse and suffocation by Mohan, allegedly triggered by a minor incident. The suspects initially gave false explanations for the death, but autopsy confirmed trauma and suffocation. The investigation is ongoing.
Country: India
State/Province: None
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Incident Type: Domestic Violence Homicide
Relationship Status: Extramarital relationship
Relationship Duration: 18 years
Incident Date: None
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How the relationship or connection began.
18 years
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Custody Conflict
The case centers on a high-conflict custody dispute following infidelity and separation. The mother's new relationship and desire for a status-driven lifestyle contributed to tensions. The victim was caught in the conflict, suffering abuse and neglect leading to death. The suspects attempted to conceal the abuse by providing false explanations. The pattern reflects coercive control, domestic violence, and child abuse within a fractured family dynamic.
Kadugodi police are investigating the homicide following autopsy confirmation of blunt force trauma and suffocation. Mohan is in custody; Priyanka remains at large. Initial suspect statements conflicted with medical findings. The case involves complex family dynamics and custody disputes. Further efforts are needed to locate Priyanka and clarify her role. Legal proceedings are pending.
Initial claims by suspects that death was accidental or due to food poisoning conflicted with autopsy findings of trauma. The mother's current whereabouts are unknown, complicating the investigation. The exact sequence of abuse and involvement of each suspect requires further clarification.
Priyanka and Praveen were married for 18 years before Priyanka began an affair with Mohan in 2025. Priyanka moved in with Mohan, taking Vennela, while the elder child stayed with Praveen. On March 24, 2026, Mohan allegedly physically abused and suffocated Vennela after a minor trigger. The suspects left the victim deceased in a vehicle for about 12 hours. The father pursued autopsy and police involvement, leading to arrests and ongoing investigation.
High risk due to ongoing custody conflict, domestic violence, and presence of coercive control. The mother's absconding status and the partner's violent behavior increase danger to vulnerable family members.
Custody disputes combined with infidelity and new relationships can escalate to fatal domestic violence. Early signs include escalating tension, child alienation, and behavioral changes. False explanations and deception post-incident are common. Prompt investigation and protective measures are critical in high-conflict separations involving children.
Escalating domestic tension, custody disputes, and behavioral changes toward the child were early warning signs.
Autopsy findings of blunt force trauma and suffocation contradicted suspect claims, helping connect the case to abuse.
Medical examiner's autopsy report showing internal injuries and suffocation was strongest evidence.
No follow-up information beyond initial arrest and ongoing investigation is available.
- Follow-up: The Murder of Vennela in Bengaluru - Sources include police reports, post-mortem findings, and statements from the father. Timeline shows Priyanka and Mohan took Vennela out on Mohan's birthday, leading to assault triggered by the child's dislike of ice cream. Physical abuse and suffocation attempts caused fatal injuries. Priyanka did not intervene and later gave conflicting accounts. Mohan secured bail, and Priyanka fled. Police arrested Mohan and continue searching for Priyanka.
Priyanka's current location and full involvement remain unclear; details of the elder child's situation and further suspect roles are unresolved.