A 30-year-old man allegedly killed his seven-year-old stepdaughter at Kumbalgodu in southwest Bengaluru on Friday.
The accused have been identified as Darshan.
According to police, the victim, Siri, was found dead when her mother, Shilpa, returned home from work around 5.30 p.m.
“When I saw my child dead, he fled from the house and drove away even as I screamed for help,” Shilpa told the police, adding that she later called the police helpline.
A police officer investigating the case told The Hindu that the cause of death can only be confirmed after post-mortem report is out. The police have booked Darshan for murder.
“It looks like the girl was smothered, and we are yet to determine whether she was smothered with a pillow or some other object. A manhunt has been launched for Darshan,” the officer said.
The police said that Shilpa was separated from her first husband and married Darshan about four months ago. Since then, the couple had been living together with the victim at Kanika layout in Kumbalgodu.
Published – October 25, 2025 12:57 am IST
