Bengaluru: Woman advocate arrested for daughter’s murder, police suspend three officers over probe lapses

Bengaluru Woman Advocate Arrested for Daughter’s Murder, Police Suspend 3 Officers

Bengaluru has become the center of a shocking legal scandal after a prominent advocate was arrested for the murder of her five-year-old daughter. The incident has sparked widespread public outrage and raised questions about the efficiency of the local police investigation. The case, which initially emerged in late March, gained renewed attention following the arrest of the mother and her partner, as well as the suspension of three officers for procedural errors during the probe.

The arrest of Priyanka, a 39-year-old legal professional, and her cohabiting partner, Mohan G, came after they were apprehended at a homestay in Sakleshpur. The police had been tracking them for several days following the filing of a murder case at Kadugodi Police Station on June 4. Priyanka’s escape from the city, first to Mysuru and then to Sakleshpur, was reportedly due to her evading detection until the investigation gained momentum. This delay has led to criticism of the police’s initial response.

The tragic death of Vennela, the victim, was discovered on March 25, setting off a chain of events that exposed critical lapses in the investigation. According to police reports, the case was initially categorized as a “case of missing person” before being upgraded to murder. The delay in classification, combined with the early dismissal of key evidence, prompted the suspension of three officers: an inspector, a sub-inspector, and a constable. Their negligence in handling the case has been cited as a contributing factor to the judicial inquiry into the incident.

Procedural Flaws and Legal Repercussions

“The investigation suffered significant delays due to errors in handling the initial stages. We have taken disciplinary action against three officers for their lapses, which affected the timely resolution of the case,” said the police commissioner in a statement. The commissioner highlighted that the classification of the case as a UDR (Unexplained Death Report) by the local police station was a major oversight, leading to a breakdown in the chain of evidence. This prompted the higher authorities to intervene and suspend the three officers.

The case has also drawn scrutiny from legal experts, who pointed out that the initial handling by the police station in Kadugodi was inconsistent with standard procedures. The father of the victim, who believes the murder was intentional, has accused the police of tampering with evidence and failing to act promptly. His allegations include conflicting statements from Priyanka, who first claimed the girl had eaten biryani on the night of March 24 and was found dead the next day. Later, she reportedly changed her account, suggesting the child had been left asleep in an air-conditioned car while she and Mohan celebrated her birthday at a café in Kolar.

Community Reaction and Ongoing Investigations

Residents of Bengaluru have expressed disbelief and anger over the case, with many calling for stricter oversight of police procedures. Social media platforms have been flooded with discussions about the incident, highlighting the emotional toll on the local community and the need for accountability. The police have since intensified their efforts to gather more evidence, including reviewing Priyanka’s statements and analyzing the post-mortem report, which has raised further questions about the motive behind the crime.

The suspension of the three officers has added to the public’s frustration, as it underscores the systemic issues in the investigation process. Police sources stated that the officers’ actions were “not in line with the required protocol,” leading to a review of their conduct. The case now stands as a testament to the importance of transparency in police work, especially in high-profile cases involving vulnerable victims. Authorities have assured that the investigation will continue, with a focus on uncovering all possible leads and ensuring justice for Vennela.

As the case unfolds in Bengaluru, the legal community and local officials are closely monitoring the developments. The arrest of a woman advocate, a respected figure in the field, has added a layer of complexity to the investigation, with questions about her involvement and the role of her partner remaining under scrutiny. The incident serves as a reminder of the critical need for timely and accurate police responses in cases of child abuse and murder, particularly in a city known for its progressive legal framework and civic pride.