NewsFlash Daily™
12 March 
Two chilling double murder cases from Karnataka send shockwaves, a 65-year-old man allegedly kills relatives in Kodagu, while a Chikkamagaluru court awards a death sentence in a brutal 2019 murder linked to an illicit relationship
Madikeri: A shocking double murder incident in Bhagamandala in Kodagu district has left residents stunned after a 65-year-old man allegedly killed his own relatives in a drunken state, while in a separate case, a court in Chikkamagaluru district has awarded the death penalty to an accused in a 2019 double murder case linked to an illicit relationship.
Police confirmed that investigations are underway in the Kodagu case, while the Chikkamagaluru verdict marks a significant development in a long-pending criminal trial.
Drunken Rage Leads to Double Murder in Kodagu
According to police, the gruesome incident occurred in Bhagamandala in Kodagu district, which falls under Madikeri taluk.
The victims have been identified as Yashodha (45) and her brother Kunjram (47). Authorities said the accused, Chandu (65), allegedly attacked the siblings with a deadly weapon while under the influence of alcohol.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the accused brutally assaulted the victims, leading to their deaths at the scene, sending shockwaves through the otherwise quiet locality.
Police quickly arrested the accused following the incident.
Senior police officials, including Bindumani, visited the crime scene to assess the situation and supervise the investigation.
The incident occurred under the jurisdiction of the Bhagamandala Police Station, where a case has been registered and further inquiry is ongoing.
The tragic killings have deeply disturbed residents in the region, with locals describing the incident as one of the most disturbing crimes witnessed in recent times.
Court Awards Death Penalty in 2019 Chikkamagaluru Double Murder
In a separate but equally shocking case, the Principal District and Sessions Court in Chikkamagaluru delivered a landmark verdict by sentencing a man to death penalty for a double murder committed in 2019.
The accused, Govindappa, was found guilty of killing a married couple in NR Pura taluk’s Satkoli village.
The brutal crime took place on August 30, 2019, when the victims were asleep inside their home.
According to the prosecution, Govindappa attacked the couple with a machete, leading to the deaths of Dharmayya (53) and his wife Bharathi (33).
The incident had shocked the entire village at the time due to the violent nature of the attack.
Illicit Relationship Led to Deadly Crime
Investigators revealed that the motive behind the crime was an alleged illicit relationship between the accused Govindappa and Bharathi.
Dharmayya had reportedly confronted Govindappa over the matter, which led to a heated dispute between them.
Following the conflict, village elders had conducted a local panchayat meeting to resolve the issue, but tensions continued to simmer.
About two months after the dispute, Govindappa allegedly carried out the deadly attack, killing both Bharathi and her husband while they were asleep.
A case was registered at the NR Pura Police Station, and after years of investigation and legal proceedings, the court has now delivered its verdict.
Court Imposes Death Sentence and Fine
The Principal District and Sessions Court in Chikkamagaluru found the accused guilty of double murder and sentenced him to death, describing the crime as extremely brutal.
In addition to the capital punishment, the court also imposed a fine of Rs20,000 on the accused.
Legal experts said the verdict sends a strong message about the seriousness of violent crimes linked to personal disputes and extramarital relationships.
Authorities noted that the judgment marks a significant moment in the pursuit of justice for the victims' families, bringing closure to a case that had shaken the community years ago.
Meanwhile, the recent double murder in Kodagu continues to remain under active investigation, with police examining the circumstances that led to the violent act.
