Mandya: A 16-year-old girl has been detained for her alleged involvement in the murder of her 55-year-old grandmother, Mahadevamma, at Bookanakere village in K.R. Pet taluk of Mandya district. Police suspect that the teenager conspired with her 23-year-old friend, Akash, after her grandmother objected to their relationship.
According to police, Akash allegedly strangled Mahadevamma while she was asleep and fled the scene. He remains absconding, and a search is underway to trace him.
Mandya Superintendent of Police Dr Shobha Rani said the case came to light after family members noticed suspicious marks on the elderly woman’s neck and raised doubts about the circumstances of her death.
A complaint was subsequently filed by Ravikumar at the K.R. Pet Rural Police Station, following which the police launched an investigation.
Grandmother allegedly opposed their relationship
Preliminary investigations suggest that Mahadevamma had cautioned her granddaughter after seeing her with Akash. Police suspect that the teenager was upset by her grandmother’s objection and allegedly conspired with Akash to kill her.
Investigators believe the incident took place around 11 pm on October 10. Mahadevamma was reportedly asleep when the accused allegedly woke her and attacked her.
According to the preliminary account, a piece of bedsheet was allegedly pushed into her mouth to prevent her from raising an alarm.
Rope allegedly used in the murder
During the investigation, police reportedly found that Akash had asked the girl to provide an object to carry out the attack. She allegedly handed him a scarf, but it tore during the attempt.
The teenager then reportedly provided a rope from the house, which Akash is suspected of using to strangle Mahadevamma. He allegedly fled with the rope after the incident.
Police are examining the sequence of events and the alleged roles of both suspects as part of the ongoing investigation.
Family members suspected foul play
The family initially believed that Mahadevamma had died of natural causes. On the morning of October 11, Yashodha reportedly visited the house and tried to speak to the elderly woman. When Mahadevamma did not respond, she questioned the granddaughter, who allegedly said she had been asleep and knew nothing about what had happened.
Family members later noticed marks on Mahadevamma’s neck, raising suspicions about the cause of death. Ravikumar subsequently approached the police, leading to a formal investigation.
Minor detained, search on for second accused
SP Shobha Rani said the minor allegedly attempted to mislead investigators during the initial questioning but later disclosed her suspected involvement.
The girl has been taken into custody for further investigation in accordance with applicable juvenile justice procedures. Police teams are searching for Akash, who remains at large.
The K.R. Pet Rural Police are investigating the case and are working to establish the full circumstances surrounding Mahadevamma’s death.
The allegations against both suspects remain subject to the ongoing investigation, and the minor’s identity has not been disclosed in keeping with protections applicable to children in conflict with the law.