Melukote: In a chilling act of revenge, the father of murdered teacher Deepika allegedly stabbed to death the father of the accused at Bellale village in Pandavapura taluk, under the jurisdiction of Melukote Police, on Tuesday morning.

The deceased has been identified as Narasimha (52), a resident of Kanikyanahalli village. According to Mandya Superintendent of Police (SP) Mallikarjun Baladandi, Deepika’s father Venkatesh, along with his friend Manjunath, allegedly murdered Narasimha in retaliation for the killing of his daughter last year.

The incident occurred around 7.45 am near Sri Bhyraveshwara Chicken Centre in Bellale village. Police have arrested both Venkatesh and Manjunath in connection with the murder.

Background to the crime

Venkatesh’s daughter Deepika and Narasimha’s son Nitish were reportedly close friends and believed to be in a relationship. However, on Jan. 20, 2024, a quarrel between the two escalated, and Nitish allegedly murdered Deepika. He was arrested and sent to jail, sparking ongoing animosity between the two families.

Nitish was recently released on bail. His sister’s wedding was scheduled for this Sunday at Dharmasthala and preparations were underway, with invitations already distributed.

On Tuesday morning, Narasimha and Venkatesh reportedly ran into each other in front of a tea shop in Bellale. An argument ensued, during which Venkatesh is said to have accused Narasimha of being responsible for Deepika’s death and resented that he was now celebrating a wedding in his family. The altercation turned violent and Venkatesh, along with Manjunath, allegedly stabbed Narasimha to death.

SP Baladandi, along with forensic experts, dog squad and other officers, visited the crime scene. Narasimha’s body was sent to the Pandavapura Government Hospital for post-mortem and later handed over to his family.

Melukote Police have registered a case and are interrogating the accused. One of the accused reportedly sustained a hand injury during the attack and is receiving treatment.

Accused denies charges

Speaking to reporters, Nitish claimed that there was only a friendship between him and Deepika and denied involvement in her murder. He said he had been falsely implicated and expressed confidence that the Court would prove his innocence. He also demanded justice for his father’s murder.

SP Baladandi confirmed that the murder occurred at around 8 am on Tuesday and reiterated that the killing was likely motivated by long-standing enmity between the two families.

He said investigations indicate that Venkatesh had harboured deep resentment, believing Nitish was responsible for his daughter’s murder and was angered that Narasimha’s family was now preparing for a wedding.

“Venkatesh confronted Narasimha, accusing him of celebrating his daughter’s wedding despite being responsible for Deepika’s death. This led to a heated argument and in a fit of rage, Venkatesh and Manjunath attacked Narasimha with a knife,” SP Baladandi explained.

He also noted that Venkatesh had, in the past, allegedly made remarks in the village claiming he could help his son get away with any crime, reflecting the family’s heightened anger and possible motive for the revenge killing.