Karnataka Police Probe Shakti Free Bus Scheme Case

Karnataka Police Probe Shakti Free Bus Scheme Suicide Case of Mandya Trader

A Karnataka Shakti free bus scheme suicide case has triggered a police investigation in Mandya after a 65-year-old textile trader allegedly killed his wife and son before ending his own life. The incident, now under scrutiny by Karnataka Police, has drawn attention due to claims made in a suicide note linking financial distress and the state’s free bus travel scheme for women. The latest update from authorities confirms that a case has been registered and investigation is underway.

The shocking incident has raised questions about debt pressure, mental health, and small business survival in semi-urban Karnataka.

Incident in Mandya: Textile Trader’s Family Tragedy

According to police sources, the incident took place in Nehru Nagar area of Mandya district. The deceased has been identified as Prabhakar, a 65-year-old textile trader. He allegedly strangled his wife Jyoti (55) and son Santosh (30) in the early hours of Tuesday before going to his shop and dying by suicide.

Police said Santosh’s wife, who had been married only about a month and a half, was asleep at the time of the incident. She later discovered the bodies after waking up and alerted neighbours, following which police were informed.

The case has been registered as a suspected double murder followed by suicide, and incident details are being verified as part of the ongoing police investigation.

Suicide Note Details and Financial Distress Claims

A key development in the Karnataka Shakti free bus scheme suicide case is the recovery of a suicide note from the scene. In the note, Prabhakar reportedly cited severe financial distress as the primary reason behind the extreme step.

He also referred to the Shakti free bus scheme, alleging that increased mobility of women due to free bus travel had shifted local purchasing patterns to urban centres, impacting small textile businesses like his. These claims are part of the suicide note analysis being reviewed by investigators.

The deceased also mentioned pressure from private finance companies, stating that inability to repay loans led to frequent harassment and visits to his residence. He reportedly stated that concerns over family dignity and financial collapse pushed him to take the extreme decision.

Authorities have not verified the claims made in the note and are treating them as part of the investigation process.

Karnataka Police Investigation and Case Registered

The Karnataka Police investigation has now expanded to include multiple angles, including financial distress, alleged harassment by private lenders, and mental health concerns. Officials confirmed that a formal case registered procedure has been completed and postmortem examinations have been ordered.

Police teams are also examining whether any external pressure or additional factors contributed to the incident. Statements from family members and neighbours are being recorded as part of the ongoing inquiry.

Authorities have further confirmed that the bodies were shifted for postmortem examination, and evidence collection from the shop and residence is underway.

Background and Emerging Questions

The incident has brought renewed focus on the economic challenges faced by small traders in Karnataka. The mention of the Shakti free bus scheme controversy in the suicide note has also added a political dimension to the case, though officials have not established any causal link.

Mental health concerns, debt burden, and informal lending practices remain key areas under examination in the broader context of the tragedy.

The latest update from Mandya police confirms that investigation teams are continuing to gather evidence and verify all claims made in the suicide note.

The case continues to develop as authorities assess both financial and social factors surrounding the Karnataka Shakti free bus scheme suicide case, with a detailed report expected after completion of preliminary investigation.