Nearly a month after an 11-month-old girl's death was initially treated as an accidental fall, Bengaluru police have arrested her father on charges of murder after a post-mortem examination revealed injuries inconsistent with the family's original account.
The accused, identified as Sekappa, a tractor driver, had initially claimed that the infant fell from a bed while her mother, Vijayalakshmi, had fallen asleep during breastfeeding. Based on the statement, Avalahalli police registered an Unnatural Death Report (UDR), and the child was taken to East Point Hospital.
The incident occurred between 2 pm and 3 pm on June 9 at Kithaganur village in Bidarahalli Hobli.
However, the investigation took a dramatic turn after the post-mortem report revealed multiple fractures, extensive internal bleeding, and severe injuries that investigators said could not have been caused by a fall from a two-foot-high cot.
Police said the findings prompted a detailed probe, which pointed to deliberate assault rather than an accident.
According to investigators, Sekappa and Vijayalakshmi were involved in a domestic dispute when he returned home for lunch on the day of the incident. During the altercation, the baby reportedly began crying, and police allege that the child was caught in the middle of the confrontation.
Investigators further alleged that Sekappa picked up the infant and threw her onto the ground, causing fatal injuries.
The couple, who have two children, had reportedly been facing frequent marital disputes. Police said Vijayalakshmi was allegedly involved in an extramarital relationship with a neighbour, identified as Nagappa, which had become a recurring source of conflict between the couple.
Based on the investigation, Avalahalli police have registered a murder case against both parents under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Sekappa has been arrested and remanded to judicial custody, while police are continuing their investigation to determine the mother's role in the incident and initiate further legal action if warranted.
