Mother, five minor children found dead in Karnataka’s Vijayapura lake; probe underway

Vijayapura, Karnataka: A woman and her five minor children were found dead in Bhootanala Lake on the outskirts of Vijayapura city on Wednesday, with police investigating whether the deaths were a case of suicide or involved other circumstances.

The deceased were identified as Shobha Jalageri and her children Vidya, Suvarna (14), Gowdesh (10), Vikas (5) and Sanika (7). The family belonged to Toravi village in Tikota taluk of Vijayapura district.

Vijayapura Superintendent of Police Lakshman Nimbargi said police were alerted around 8.45 a.m. after six bodies were spotted floating in the lake. Police and Fire and Emergency Services personnel reached the location and began efforts to identify the victims.

A missing persons complaint involving all six had been registered at Vijayapura Rural police station on Monday. The complaint was filed by Shobha's husband, Bheemaraya.

According to the preliminary investigation, Shobha had an argument with her husband on August 24. She reportedly told him that she would leave the house and take her children with her.

Police said Shobha left home around 6 a.m. following the quarrel, initially taking four of her children. She later went to a residential school where another son, who had hearing difficulties, was studying and took him along.

Investigators attempted to track the family's movements, but were unable to establish their whereabouts. Shobha's mobile phone had reportedly been left at home.

“Today at about 8.45 a.m., we received information that six dead bodies had been found at Bhootanala Lake. Our police personnel and Fire Department personnel immediately rushed to the spot. While trying to ascertain their identities, we learnt that a missing persons case concerning these six people had been registered at Vijayapura Rural police station on Monday,” Nimbargi said.

Police are currently treating suicide as a possibility, but said the exact circumstances remain unclear. Nimbargi said the preliminary indications pointed towards suicide, while the cause and manner of death would be established following postmortem examinations.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Nagaraj and personnel from Adarshnagar police station also reached the lake. The bodies were recovered and sent for postmortem examination.

Police are examining whether a family dispute could have played a role in the deaths. Preliminary information indicates that the disagreement between Shobha and her husband may have been related to preparations for the auspicious Shravan Somavara on Monday.

Investigators are continuing to piece together the family's movements and establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths. IANS