Karnataka horror: Couple kill two children before husband’s suicide; wife survives

BENGALURU: A couple killed their two school-going children before attempting to end their own lives Saturday evening in Gonakanahalli village, Hosakote. The husband, Shiva Kumar (32), died, while his wife Manjula, survived after neighbours helped her.The children have been identified as Chandrakala (11) and Udaya Surya (7). Manjula has been arrested by Hosakote police under charges of murder.

Police said the incident took place between 5.30pm and 7.30pm and was linked to financial difficulties and marital disputes.Shiva Kumar had been unemployed for six months after a tractor accident that required surgeries on both legs. Manjula, who studied until class 8, had left her factory job and was now working as a part-time labourer. The family grew flower plants in their backyard. Manjula and Chandrakala would pluck flowers to make garlands, which Chandrakala sold in the village to earn money, including for her education.The couple's worsening financial situation reportedly led them to decide to end their lives. Police explained how the killings took place. The couple fed snacks to the children before the attack. Around 5.30pm, they sent Surya to play on the terrace while they strangled Chandrakala with a dupatta and pushed her body under a cot.

They then called Surya, gave him snacks and told him they were going to kill him, asking him to sleep without making any noise. The couple tied the dupatta around his neck and strangled him.To confirm the children were dead, they submerged their faces under water in a tub. Shiva Kumar later asked Manjula to buy snacks, saying he wanted to finish the remaining liquor. After she left, he hanged himself. On returning, she found him dead.Manjula then borrowed a neighbour's phone and called her elder brother, informing him about the incident and saying she would also end her life. The neighbour, who overheard the conversation, alerted others and police before Manjula could lock the door. Shiva's brother has filed a complaint and the investigation is ongoing.(If you are having suicidal thoughts or in need of emotional support, call suicide prevention helplines: Tele-Manas: 14416 or 1800-891-4416, Sahai: 080-25497777).