Mother and Live-in Partner Arrested in Bengaluru Over Ice Cream-Related Assault Leading to Child's Death

BENGALURU: Priyanka (44), an advocate, who was on the run in connection with the murder of her five-and-a-half-year-old daughter, was arrested by the Kadugodi police on Thursday. Her live-in partner, Mohan G Mahalingappa (40), a real estate developer, has allegedly confessed to the assault that led to the child's death.

According to Mohan, the incident occurred when their daughter, P Vennela, demanded another flavor of ice cream. In a fit of anger, both Priyanka and Mohan assaulted the child in the car. They then covered her mouth to stifle her cries, which ultimately led to her death.

The victim, P Vennela, was staying with her mother, Priyanka. Priyanka had recently separated from her husband, Praveen, a private school owner in Davanagere. Their elder daughter is currently in the custody of Praveen.

A police officer revealed that Priyanka had been on the run after an FIR was registered against her. She was apprehended near Sakleshpur in Hassan district and brought back to Bengaluru. Upon being produced before a court, she was remanded in police custody for five days for further investigation.

In an attempt to evade detection, Priyanka had stopped using her phone and bank cards. She had been hiding at a farmhouse owned by a friend of Mohan.

Mohan, who had been in police custody for 10 days, reportedly disclosed that on the night of March 24, while Priyanka was out shopping near Indiranagar, he was in the car with Vennela. It was during this time that the tragic incident unfolded.

The police are now focusing on gathering more evidence and testimonies to build a strong case against the accused. The community is in shock, and questions are being raised about the safety and well-being of children in such volatile domestic situations.

This case highlights the importance of early intervention and support for families dealing with domestic conflicts, especially when children are involved. Local organizations and child welfare groups are calling for increased awareness and resources to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.