Karnataka: Daughter testifies against mother in rare case; court awards lifer

In a rare and emotionally charged courtroom drama, a daughter testified against her own mother, leading to a life sentence for the accused. The Third Additional District and Sessions Court in Madhugiri taluk has sentenced Yashodha and her partner Manjunath to life imprisonment for the brutal murder of Yashodha's husband, Anjinappa.

The incident took place on May 12, 2018, around 1 a.m. in Bhattageri village of Madhugiri taluk. Yashodha, who was in an illicit relationship with Manjunath, allegedly conspired to eliminate her husband after he opposed their affair. That night, as Anjinappa lay sleeping outside their home, the duo attacked him with a rod and a pickaxe, assuming their daughter was asleep inside.

However, their daughter woke up to her father’s screams and witnessed the horrific act. She saw her father bleeding and struggling for life. In a shocking detail, the court heard that even after the initial blows, Yashodha delivered the final strike with a pickaxe, ensuring Anjinappa's death.

The case was registered at Kodigenahalli Police Station, and both accused were arrested but later released on bail. The daughter's eyewitness testimony proved pivotal in the trial. Presiding judge Nagireddy handed down a life sentence to both Yashodha and Manjunath, marking a significant judgment in a case driven by betrayal and family tragedy.