Koppal Teenager Allegedly Stabs Father and Sister to Death Over Online Gaming

An 18-year-old pre-university student allegedly stabbed his father and sister to death, and grievously injured his mother at Hosa Ayodhya village in the Gangavathi taluk of Koppal district on Saturday night, June 6. The attack reportedly occurred after the teenager was advised against playing online mobile games.

The suspect, identified as Sai Venkat Manideep, allegedly stabbed himself after the attack. Both he and his mother, Soujanya, are currently undergoing treatment for their injuries 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. The incident took place under the jurisdiction of the Gangavathi Rural police station.

According to the police complaint, the family had dinner together before retiring for the night. While Venkat Naidu, his wife, and their two children slept in one room, Venkat Naidu's parents, including the complainant Tatarao, slept in another room.

At around 10:30 p.m., Tatarao heard a commotion and heard his son shouting. Unable to open the locked door, he sought help from local neighbours.

Upon entering the room, they found Venkat Naidu, Soujanya, and Pragathi with severe stab injuries. Pragathi died on the spot, while Venkat Naidu passed away at a hospital. Soujanya sustained serious wounds to her head and neck.

In his complaint, 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 suggested the crime was committed by a family member. He added that the injured family members told investigators that the teenager switched off the lights and attacked them with a knife while they slept. Further investigation is currently underway.