On March 24, 2026, in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, a 5-year-old girl named Vennela died due to physical assault and suffocation inflicted by her mother's live-in partner, Mohan G. Mahalingappa, with her mother Priyanka P. currently untraceable. The incident followed family conflict involving separation, custody disputes, and alleged abuse. Mohan was arrested while Priyanka remains missing. The investigation revealed blunt force trauma and suffocation as causes of death, contradicting suspects' claims of accidental causes.
Country: India
State/Province: Karnataka, India
City/Region: Bengaluru
Incident Type: Murder
Relationship Status: Separated
Relationship Duration: 18 years
Incident Date: March 24, 2026
Relationship Origins:
Relationship Stages:
Contributing Factors:
Red Flags:
Motives:
Relationship Outcomes:
How the relationship or connection began.
18 years
Important relationship phases recorded for this case.
Reported red flags or early concern points.
Contributing factors and possible motives from the available sources.
2026-03-24
Recorded relationship or case outcome.
Domestic Violence
The case involves a separated couple with ongoing custody disputes and infidelity. The mother left the marital home to live with a new partner, leading to conflict and alleged abuse of the child. The live-in partner and mother exhibited controlling and abusive behavior culminating in fatal violence against the child. The suspects attempted to conceal the crime by providing false explanations for the child's death.
Police investigation began two months after the incident following the father's complaint and autopsy report. Mohan was arrested and remanded; Priyanka remains at large. Forensic evidence contradicted suspects' claims of accidental death. Legal proceedings are ongoing with anticipatory bail previously granted to Mohan. Investigation focuses on establishing full sequence of events and locating Priyanka.
Initial suspect claims of accidental death and food poisoning conflicted with forensic autopsy findings indicating blunt force trauma and suffocation. The whereabouts of Priyanka remain unknown, complicating full case resolution.
Priyanka and Mohan took Vennela in a vehicle on her birthday. After the victim refused an ice cream flavor, Mohan physically assaulted her causing fatal injuries. The suspects then attended a hotel celebration while the victim's body remained in the vehicle. The father filed a complaint after two months, triggering police investigation and autopsy that revealed abuse and trauma inconsistent with suspects' statements.
High risk due to ongoing custody conflict, separation without finalized divorce, presence of infidelity, and history of alleged physical and emotional abuse. The missing status of one suspect increases risk for further evasion or harm.
Early signs of family separation, custody disputes, and infidelity can escalate to fatal domestic violence. Physical and emotional abuse of children in separated families with unresolved custody issues is a critical risk factor. False narratives by suspects highlight the importance of forensic evidence in uncovering truth.
Separation without finalized divorce, custody disputes, and allegations of physical abuse were key early signals.
Autopsy report showing blunt force trauma and suffocation contradicted suspects' claims, and the timeline of events on the birthday provided critical context.
Forensic autopsy report, police custody of Mohan, and witness complaint by the father were strongest evidence.
Reportedly, the father filed the complaint; no other witness statements reported.
No follow-up reports available regarding Priyanka's whereabouts or further legal outcomes.
Current location and status of Priyanka remain unclear; full motive details and involvement extent require further investigation.