Bengaluru: A 46-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly killing his 65-year-old mother during a domestic quarrel and attempting to pass off her death as an accidental fall, after a post-mortem examination revealed multiple injuries on her body.
The accused, identified as Balaji, a construction labourer, allegedly assaulted his mother, Bhagyamma, at their home in Bevinamara Colony in Kannamangala on the night of September 24. He reportedly informed relatives the following morning that she had died after falling from her bed.
The alleged murder came to light after Kadugodi police investigated the circumstances surrounding her death and examined the post-mortem findings. According to a report by The Times of India, the autopsy revealed injuries at 12 places on Bhagyamma’s body, including a severe head injury that proved fatal.
Police registered a murder case on October 6 and subsequently questioned family members and neighbours. Balaji was detained on Wednesday, October 7, and allegedly confessed to the crime during interrogation, according to the report. The investigation is ongoing.
Post-mortem findings raise suspicion
According to the police, Bhagyamma’s death initially appeared to have been presented as an accidental fall. Balaji allegedly told relatives that his mother had fallen from the bed and died.
Family members and relatives gathered at the house and began making arrangements for her funeral. However, a neighbour who reportedly heard noises coming from the house informed Kadugodi police about the death.
Police personnel visited the residence and questioned those present. Officers reportedly insisted on a post-mortem examination to establish the cause of death, but some family members and others at the scene objected, leading to an argument.
The police eventually took custody of the body and sent it to a hospital for examination.
The post-mortem report subsequently revealed multiple injuries, including a serious head injury. The findings prompted investigators to examine whether Bhagyamma’s death had resulted from an assault rather than an accidental fall.
Police investigate domestic dispute
Investigators reportedly learnt that an argument had taken place at Bhagyamma’s house on the night of September 24.
According to the police account cited in the report, the dispute involved several issues, including Bhagyamma’s alleged drinking habit and a gold chain that Balaji had pledged.
Police said the woman had repeatedly demanded that her son retrieve the pledged jewellery, leading to disagreements between them.
The report also stated that Balaji claimed he was upset because his mother frequently created disturbances at home. He allegedly referred to remarks made by neighbours about a man who often visited the house.
These details form part of the reported account of the accused’s statements to investigators. The circumstances surrounding the incident and the allegations against him remain subject to the police investigation and judicial process.
Autopsy leads to murder case
The medical examination proved crucial in changing the direction of the investigation.
The post-mortem findings reportedly documented injuries at 12 locations on Bhagyamma’s body. A severe head injury was identified as the cause of death.
Based on the findings, Kadugodi police registered a suo motu murder case on October 6. Investigators returned to the locality and questioned neighbours and residents separately to establish what had happened before Bhagyamma’s death.
Police also questioned family members about the events of September 24 and the account that she had fallen from her bed.
During the subsequent investigation, suspicion reportedly centred on Balaji. He was detained on October 7 and allegedly confessed during interrogation, according to the news report.
A confession reported by police does not by itself establish guilt; the allegations must be examined through the legal process.
Incident raises concerns over domestic violence
The case has drawn attention to the importance of investigating deaths when the circumstances are unclear or the available evidence does not match the initial explanation.
In this incident, the neighbour’s information, the police inspection and the post-mortem examination were significant developments in determining whether the death was accidental.
Medical examinations can help establish the nature and extent of injuries and provide investigators with evidence to assess the circumstances surrounding a death. Statements from relatives and neighbours may also help reconstruct the events leading up to an incident.
The case also highlights the serious consequences that domestic disputes can have when disagreements escalate into violence. However, the precise sequence of events and the responsibility for Bhagyamma’s death will ultimately be determined through the investigation and court proceedings.
Investigation continues
Kadugodi police have arrested Balaji in connection with his mother’s death and are investigating the case.
Bhagyamma’s death was initially described to relatives as the result of a fall, but the injuries documented during the post-mortem examination led police to suspect foul play.
The investigation has since focused on the reported quarrel, the circumstances inside the house and the evidence gathered from medical examination and questioning.
Further legal proceedings will determine the outcome of the case.