BENGALURU: Bommanahalli police have arrested a 67-year-old vegetable vendor for allegedly murdering his estranged daughter-in-law in a grisly late-night attack in Hongasandra on November 15. The accused, identified as Mandanna, a resident of KR Pura, is accused of slitting the throat of 35-year-old Pramoda after an argument over unpaid loan instalments. Police said the murder took place between 10.30pm and 11pm.
Victim was living separately from husband
BENGALURU: According to investigators, Pramoda, who hailed from Sirsi, had been living alone for the past three years after separating from her husband. Their 16-year-old daughter has been living with the father in KR Pura. Pramoda worked in a garment factory and was known to spend most of her time juggling work and personal responsibilities. Police initially suspected that the murder might be linked to her alleged lover. However, the detailed probe gradually pointed towards financial motives involving a family member.
Suspicion shifts after probe
BENGALURU: During the early stages of investigation, police examined multiple angles, including the possibility of a relationship dispute. But discrepancies in timelines and witness accounts led officers to review CCTV footage and mobile phone records. These efforts revealed that Mandanna had visited Pramoda’s residence on the evening of the murder. When questioned, he allegedly gave evasive answers, prompting the police to subject him to further interrogation.
Financial dispute at the core
BENGALURU: Police said Mandanna eventually confessed to the killing. In his statement, he claimed he had pledged his gold ornaments at a finance firm a year ago and borrowed over Rs 1 lakh, which he handed over to Pramoda. He had asked her to pay the monthly EMIs to clear the loan and retrieve his pledged jewellery. According to the police, he told them Pramoda paid only two instalments and then began avoiding him when he demanded repayment. She allegedly started using a second phone number to evade his calls and messages.
As the financial pressure mounted, Mandanna reportedly grew anxious about losing his gold permanently. The mounting frustration and repeated failed attempts to contact Pramoda pushed him to confront her in person.
Argument turns fatal
BENGALURU: On the night of November 15, Mandanna went to Pramoda’s house and confronted her over the pending instalments. The heated argument escalated, and when tensions did not subside, he stayed back and slept on the sofa. Investigators said he waited until she fell asleep and then used a kitchen knife to slit her throat. After committing the murder, he locked her home from the outside and fled the spot.
The incident came to light the next morning when neighbours noticed that Pramoda had not left for work and alerted the police. Upon breaking open the door, officers found her lying in a pool of blood.
Arrest and case registered
BENGALURU: With Mandanna’s confession and supporting evidence, police arrested him under charges of murder. Officers said they would conduct further investigation to understand whether the act was premeditated or a result of sudden rage. Police are also verifying Mandanna’s claim about the loan transaction and pledged ornaments.
Authorities noted that such incidents highlight the growing number of crimes linked to personal financial disputes, especially among lower-income families with limited access to formal financial support.
Conclusion
BENGALURU: The tragic case underscores the deadly consequences that can arise from unresolved financial stress and strained family ties. Bommanahalli police stated that they will file a chargesheet soon and ensure that justice is served for Pramoda, who leaves behind a grieving daughter and family.