Man kills his father for opposing marriage of 15-year-old daughter

BENGALURU: A 70-year-old man who objected to the marriage of his granddaughter, a minor, was bludgeoned to death by his son, the girl’s father, and the father of the bridegroom in Karenahalli, Doddaballapura, on Monday.

Police said Eshwarappa, a resident of Karenahalli, was murdered by E Kumar, a weaver, and Subramani, father of the bridegroom.

Mohan Kumar, deputy superintendent of police (Doddaballapura sub-division), said Kumar had planned the marriage of his 15-year-old daughter with Subramani’s son. When he discussed the matter with Eshwarappa a few weeks ago, he objected to it, saying the girl is a minor and still studying I PU. Eshwarappa told Kumar to wait till the girl turned 18. But, Kumar did not heed to his advice and began making arrangements for the marriage after Subramani promised to bear all expenses. Subramani also assured Kumar that he won’t demand any dowry.

However, an anonymous call was made to the Child Helpline recently and officials, with local police in tow, landed at Kumar’s house in Doddaballapura on Sunday. “They held meeting with family members of Kumar and Subramani and asked them to stop the marriage and warned them of legal consequences if they went ahead. So, the marriage was stopped,” the officer said.

The girl was taken to Santvana Kendra, a government counselling centre, along with her mother the same day. Kumar and Subramani, who were furious over the turn of events, suspected Eshwarappa might have informed the officials. On Sunday night, Subramani caught hold of Eshwarappa, while Kumar smashed his head with a boulder. Though he was taken to Doddaballapura government hospital by other family members, he succumbed to injuries at 6.40am Monday. Doddaballapura Rural police arrested Kumar on Tuesday evening. Subramani is at large.


ACTION AGAINST DOCTORS

Police said doctors at Doddaballapura government hospital failed to inform them about the attack. When Eshwarappa was taken to the hospital late Sunday night, doctors suggested he be shifted to Nimhans for further treatment, citing it was a serious head injury. But his family members were not in a condition to shift him to Bengaluru. “Hospitals are bound to inform police whenever people are admitted with injuries. They alerted cops only after Eshwarappa’s death. We’ll take action against them for their failure,” police said.