Bengaluru Home Guard Killed by Husband in Front of Children, Police Arrest Accused
A 32-year-old woman working as a Home Guard with the police department was allegedly stabbed to death by her husband in Bengaluru, Karnataka, in a case that police say followed a prolonged period of domestic disputes and harassment.
The victim, identified as Manjula, was serving as a Home Guard attached to the Mahadevapura Police Station. According to police, she was attacked and killed by her husband, Pradeep, in the presence of her mother and two children. Following the attack, the accused allegedly attempted to injure himself using the same knife.
The incident occurred at the residence of Manjula’s mother, where she had been staying with her children for the past one and a half months. Police said the couple had been married for 15 years and had two children.
Investigators revealed that tensions had existed between the couple for some time. Pradeep was reportedly addicted to online betting, which frequently led to arguments within the family. He also allegedly harboured suspicions about his wife's character and repeatedly questioned the paternity of their children. Family members stated that Manjula had moved out of the marital home due to the harassment she was facing.
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According to the preliminary investigation, Pradeep visited the house on Sunday and pleaded with Manjula to return home. Police said he apologised for his past behaviour and reportedly fell at her feet seeking forgiveness. However, the situation soon turned violent.
Authorities said Pradeep suddenly attacked Manjula with a knife, stabbing her more than 20 times in front of her mother and children. She sustained severe injuries and died during the assault. After the attack, he allegedly used the knife to cut his own hand in an apparent attempt to harm himself.
A significant development in the case emerged after police recovered and examined a video message reportedly recorded by Pradeep before the murder. In the recording, he is said to have admitted that his betting addiction had destroyed his family.
According to police, the video also contained a disturbing statement indicating his intentions. He reportedly said that he could not live without his wife and had spoken with her father and brother. He further stated that he planned to ask her again to return with him after she finished work and threatened to kill her if she refused.
Investigators are treating the video as an important piece of evidence in the case.
Police arrested Pradeep following the incident and registered a case against him under relevant sections of law. Officials said further investigation is underway to establish all circumstances surrounding the murder.
The case has once again drawn attention to the impact of domestic violence, coercive behaviour, and addiction-related family disputes, issues that continue to pose serious challenges for law enforcement and social welfare agencies across the country.