Karnataka: Woman smothers mother over astrologer’s claim, police suspect financial dispute
Tumakuru (Karnataka) (PTI): A 33-year-old woman allegedly smothered her mother with a pillow while she was asleep and attempted to pass it off as a natural death after being influenced by an astrologer's claims, police said on Friday.
The incident occurred on Wednesday night in Anupanahalli village of Tumakuru taluk, but came to light only on Thursday after villagers alerted the authorities, they said.
The deceased has been identified as Pushpavathi (55). The accused, Suchitra (33), was residing with her husband in the Srinagar area of Tumakuru city.
According to police, Suchitra’s father had died about one-and-a-half years ago due to health ailments. However, she had reportedly consulted an astrologer online, who allegedly told her during a ritual reading that her mother had performed black magic, leading to her father’s death.
During interrogation, Suchitra confessed to killing her mother after allegedly being influenced by the astrologer’s claims.
She smothered her mother with a pillow while she was sleeping, resulting in her death, a senior police officer said.
The crime was committed in the presence of her husband, who was allegedly guiding her, he said.
The officer, however, said they suspect the motive could also involve a financial dispute, which is being investigated.
After the death, the accused allegedly attempted to pass the death off as natural and tried to rush the funeral rites, police said.
However, villagers grew suspicious over the condition of the body and the circumstances surrounding the death and alerted the authorities.
"A case of murder has been registered at Kyathasandra police station. Both Suchitra and her husband have been arrested in connection with the incident," the officer added.
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Min. Priyank Kharge to expresses concern over implementation of VB-G Ram G
Bengaluru: Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Priyank Kharge has expressed concern over the uncertainty surrounding the implementation of the proposed VB-G Ram G scheme, stating that the MNREGA programme, which has been a lifeline for rural India for nearly two decades, appears to be facing an uncertain future.
Speaking to media, Kharge said that as March 31 draws to a close, there is no clarity on the rollout of the new scheme from April 1. He pointed out that the central government has not yet issued the necessary guidelines for implementing the scheme for rural workers and villages.
He criticised the Centre for its lack of preparedness, stating that there is no clarity on fund allocation, no final parameters for classifying gram panchayats, and key processes such as social audits have not been defined.
Kharge said the situation comes at a critical time, as summer marks a peak period for rural employment demand, when many people depend heavily on wage employment for their livelihood.
He added that reports have emerged of delays in approvals and families not receiving work despite demand.
He further alleged that the Centre’s move to shift from a statutory employment guarantee to a rule-based allocation system is already showing negative consequences.
Kharge also raised concerns over provisions such as a mandatory 60-day halt during agricultural seasons, which he said would further limit employment opportunities for rural workers.
The BJP-led central government had claimed that the new scheme would transform rural India, but in reality it is turning out to be detrimental to people’s livelihoods, he said.
“The crisis in rural India due to the stalling of MNREGA is beginning to unfold. Given the Centre’s past record in handling such situations, there is growing concern over the impact on rural livelihoods,” Kharge said.
