Koppal Teenager Stabs Father and Sister to Death Over Online Gaming
An 18-year-old pre-university student allegedly stabbed his father and elder sister to death and grievously injured his mother in Hosa Ayodhya village of Gangavathi taluk in Koppal district on Saturday night. The attack, which occurred on June 6, 2026, was reportedly triggered after the teenager was advised against playing online mobile games.
The suspect, identified as Sai Venkat Manideep, also allegedly stabbed himself after the attack. He and his mother, Soujanya, are currently undergoing treatment for their injuries at the VIMS Hospital in Ballari.
Police identified the deceased victims as Venkat Naidu, 45, who worked as a cook at a private school, and his 19-year-old daughter, Pragathi.
According to the police complaint, the family, including Venkat Naidu's parents, had dinner together before retiring for the night. While the suspect, his parents, and his sister slept in one room, the grandparents slept in an adjacent room.
At around 10:30 PM, Tatarao, Venkat Naidu’s father, heard a commotion and his son shouting. Unable to open the bedroom door, Tatarao sought assistance from neighbours to gain entry.
Inside, they found Venkat Naidu, Soujanya, and Pragathi with severe stab wounds. Pragathi died on the spot, while Venkat Naidu succumbed to his injuries after being rushed to a hospital. Soujanya sustained serious injuries to her head and neck.
In his complaint to the police, 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 investigations indicate the crime was committed by a family member. The injured victims informed investigators that Sai Venkat Manideep had switched off the lights while the family was asleep before launching the knife attack.
The Gangavathi Rural police have registered a case based on Tatarao's complaint, and further investigation is underway.