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

By Editorial·8 June 2026·1 min read

A photorealistic wide shot of a crime scene investigation outside a modest single-story house in a rural village in Karn...

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

The accused, identified as Sai Venkat Manideep, also allegedly slit his own neck after the assault. He is currently undergoing treatment alongside his mother, Soujanya, at the VIMS Hospital in Ballari.

According to the police, the deceased have been identified as 45-year-old Venkat Naidu, who worked as a cook at a private school, and his 19-year-old daughter, Pragathi. The incident took place within the limits of the Gangavathi Rural police station on the night of June 6.

Before the incident, the family, including Venkat Naidu, his wife, their two children, and his parents, had dinner together. While the couple and their children slept in one room, Venkat Naidu's parents slept in an adjacent room.

At around 10:30 p.m., Tatarao, Venkat Naidu's father, heard a commotion and his son shouting. Unable to open the locked door of the room, Tatarao sought assistance from neighbours to get inside.

Upon entering, they discovered 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 deep wounds to her head and neck.

In his police complaint, Tatarao stated that his grandson suddenly became enraged, picked up a knife from the house, stabbed his sister, attacked his parents, and then turned the knife on himself.

Superintendent of Police Dr. Ram L. Arasiddi stated that preliminary investigations indicate the crime was committed by a family member. According to statements given by the injured to investigators, Sai Venkat Manideep switched off the lights in the room while the family was asleep before launching the knife attack. Further investigation into the incident is currently underway.