A city court in Bengaluru has sentenced a 59-year-old woman to life in prison for fatally stabbing her teenage daughter over academic dishonesty. Bhimaneni Padmini Rani, a homemaker residing in Shastrinagar, Banashankari, was convicted of murdering her 17-year-old daughter, Sahiti Shivapriya, at their home in April 2024.
Rani, who depended on rental income from her late husband’s property, lived alone with Sahiti after her husband’s passing in 2020. According to prosecutors, the incident occurred after Sahiti falsely claimed to have secured 95% in her II PU board exams. The truth surfaced on April 28 when Sahiti admitted to failing in one subject and accused her mother of being unsupportive. A call to Sahiti’s friend revealed she had failed four subjects.
The revelation enraged Rani, who confronted her daughter. When Sahiti allegedly responded disrespectfully, Rani’s anger spiraled out of control. She initially used a small kitchen knife, which bent, and then grabbed two larger knives, one typically used for cutting meat. She repeatedly stabbed Sahiti.
In her statement, Rani said she was devastated by Sahiti’s behavior and lack of affection. “She was born after 16 years of marriage. I raised her with love, especially after my husband’s death. But she never showed me the same care,” Rani told the police.
Ashamed and fearful of judgment from relatives to whom she had bragged about Sahiti’s supposed academic success, Rani attempted suicide but failed. She later called her husband’s office staff, who took her to a hospital. Post-recovery, police took her into custody.
Rani is currently imprisoned in Bengaluru’s Central Prison.
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