Six bodies, including those of a woman and her five children, were found in the backwaters of Buthnal Lake in Karnataka’s Vijayapura district on Wednesday. Police suspect that the family may have died by suicide, but the exact circumstances are yet to be confirmed.
The deceased have been identified as Shobha Jalageri and her five children, Vidya, 15, Suvarna, 13, Tippayya, 12, Sanika, 10, and Vikas, 6.
Police and Fire Department teams reached the spot after receiving information about the bodies. All six bodies were recovered from the lake and shifted for post-mortem examination.
Officials said the identities of the deceased were confirmed during the investigation. Police are now examining what led to the deaths and are looking into all possible angles.
Missing Complaint Filed After Family Dispute
A missing complaint had been filed on August 24 by Shobha’s husband after she left home with the children following a reported dispute over domestic matters.
According to police, Shobha had left home around 6 am with four of her children. She later went to a hostel and took her youngest child with her. The family had reportedly left their mobile phones at home, making it difficult for police to trace them.
The bodies were found a day after the missing complaint was registered.
Police said a family dispute is being looked into as a possible reason behind the suspected suicide. However, officials have stressed that no conclusion can be reached until the investigation is complete.
The bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination. Police are also waiting for forensic and FSL reports to understand the exact cause of death.
Officials said they will question family members and relatives as part of the investigation. Police are also examining how the bodies came to be found in the lake.
Further investigation is underway.