A horrific incident unfolded in Bengaluru, Karnataka, on Friday night, when a 26-year-old man, identified as Shankar, allegedly beheaded his wife, Manasa (26), following a heated argument fueled by suspicions of infidelity. The gruesome crime occurred in Heelalige village, near Chandapura, Anekal taluk, on the outskirts of Bengaluru. Shankar then surrendered to the Suryanagar police, carrying his wife's severed head as evidence.
According to police reports, the incident came to light when officers on patrol along the Chandapura-Anekal main road noticed Shankar with bloodied clothes around 11:30 pm. Upon questioning him, they discovered the severed head on the footboard of his scooter. Shankar was immediately taken into custody, and a case was registered around 1:30 am on Saturday.
Preliminary investigations suggest that Shankar suspected Manasa of having an extramarital affair. He reportedly discovered the affair recently, which led to frequent quarrels between the couple. Sources indicate that Shankar had asked Manasa to leave their home, and she had been living in a paying guest accommodation for a few days. The man she was allegedly involved with had also left the area. However, Manasa returned, seeking a compromise for the sake of their three-year-old daughter.
On Friday night, Shankar reportedly returned home earlier than expected from work and allegedly found Manasa with her boyfriend, according to Bangalore Rural SP C K Baba. Enraged, Shankar attacked both of them. In a fit of rage during another heated argument, Shankar allegedly used an axe found at their home to behead Manasa. Preliminary investigations suggest that the murder was premeditated, with Shankar having purchased the axe from a shop near his residence prior to the attack.
Shankar and Manasa had been married for over five years and were living in a rented home in Heelalige. Both worked in private firms; Shankar in Koramangala and Manasa in Bommasandra.
The police have registered a case and arrested Shankar. They are currently investigating the matter from all angles, including the possible involvement of Manasa's alleged paramour. Authorities are also gathering more evidence and questioning witnesses to ascertain the sequence of events leading up to the murder.
This shocking crime has sent shockwaves through Bengaluru, highlighting the disturbing issue of domestic violence and the tragic consequences of marital discord. The incident also draws attention to the increasing number of domestic violence cases and the challenges in implementing protective legislation. Justice Siddappa Sunil Dutt Yadav, a High Court judge, has previously raised concerns about the prevalence of domestic violence in India and the challenges in effectively implementing protective measures, citing alarming statistics from the National Family Health Survey. He advocated for comprehensive training programs for judges, judicial officers, police, and protection officers to address the social and psychological impact of violence.
