Police investigate the deaths of Shobha Jalageri and her five children after a family dispute was reported
Vijayapura police are investigating the deaths of Shobha Jalageri and her five children, whose bodies were found in Bhutanala Lake. Preliminary information points to a family dispute, while relatives have made allegations against her husband.
Vijayapura: Preliminary information emerging from the investigation into the deaths of a mother and her five children, whose bodies were found in Bhutanala Lake on the outskirts of Vijayapura city, has pointed towards a possible family dispute.
The deceased have been identified as Shobha Jalageri, 45, and her children Vidya, 16, Suvarna, 14, Gaudesh alias Thipparaya, 10, Vikas, 5, and Sanika, 7.
According to preliminary information, a dispute reportedly took place between Shobha and her husband Malakari Jalageri on the night of August 23. The following day, which was Shravan Monday, another disagreement reportedly occurred over offering food during worship and asking family members to go to work.
Following the dispute, Shobha is said to have gone missing along with her children.
Vijayapura Police Investigate Missing Complaint
After Shobha and the children could not be located, Malakari reportedly searched for them in the village and at the homes of relatives.
After failing to find any trace of his wife and children, he filed a missing-person complaint at the Vijayapura Rural Police Station.
The bodies were subsequently found in Bhutanala Lake, leading police to begin an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
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Vijayapura Superintendent of Police Lakshman B. Nimbaragi said the exact cause of the deaths would be established only after a detailed investigation.
The bodies have been shifted to BLDE Hospital in Vijayapura for post-mortem examination. The examination is expected to provide further information as investigators work to establish the circumstances and sequence of events.
Shobha's Family Makes Allegations Against Husband
Following the discovery of the bodies, members of Shobha’s family reached the hospital and expressed allegations against her husband.
According to the family, Malakari allegedly consumed alcohol regularly and assaulted Shobha. They also alleged that he had an illicit relationship with another woman and had been harassing Shobha over debts.
These allegations have been made by the deceased woman’s family and have not yet been established by the police investigation.
The Adarsh Nagar police have registered a case in connection with the incident and are investigating the matter from multiple angles.
Police are examining the reported family disputes, the missing-person complaint and the circumstances in which Shobha and her five children reached Bhutanala Lake. The exact cause and circumstances of the deaths remain subject to the ongoing investigation and post-mortem findings.
