Karnataka Teen Kills Father and Sister Over Online Gaming Dispute in Gangavathi
An 18-year-old pre-university (PU) student allegedly stabbed his father and elder sister to death, and grievously injured his mother, at their home in Hosa Ayodhya village in the Gangavathi taluk of Koppal district, Karnataka. The incident occurred on the night of Saturday, June 6, after the teenager was reportedly advised against playing online mobile games.
The suspect, identified as Sai Venkat Manideep, also allegedly stabbed himself and slit his own neck following the attack. He is currently undergoing medical treatment alongside his mother, Soujanya, at VIMS Hospital in Ballari.
The police identified the deceased as Venkat Naidu, 45, who worked as a cook at a private school, and his 19-year-old daughter, Pragathi.
According to the police complaint, the family had gathered for dinner on Saturday night before retiring to bed. Venkat Naidu, his wife, and their two children slept in one room, while Venkat Naidu's parents, including the complainant Tatarao, slept in a separate room.
At around 10:30 p.m., Tatarao heard a commotion and his son shouting from the other room. When he found himself unable to open the door, he sought assistance from neighbours to gain entry.
Inside, they discovered Venkat Naidu, Soujanya, and Pragathi with severe stab wounds. Pragathi died on the spot, while Venkat Naidu later succumbed to his injuries at a hospital. Soujanya sustained serious injuries to her head and neck.
In his complaint to the Gangavathi Rural police, Tatarao alleged that his grandson suddenly became enraged, picked up a knife from the house, stabbed Pragathi, attacked his parents, and then slit his own neck.
Superintendent of Police Dr. Ram L. Arasiddi stated that preliminary information points to the crime being committed by a family member. He added that the injured survivors told investigators that Manideep switched off the lights while the family slept before launching the knife attack. The police are continuing their investigation into the case.
