Mother sentenced to life for murdering daughter for failing in exams
In a shocking case from Bengaluru, a local court has sentenced a 59-year-old woman, Padmaja Rani, to life imprisonment for murdering her daughter after she failed the PUC exams. The incident took place on April 29, 2024, in Tyagarajanagar, where Padmaja lived with her 17-year-old daughter, Sahitya Shivapriya, following the death of her husband in 2020.
According to the court proceedings, Sahitya had falsely claimed that she had scored 95.5% in her exams and secured admission to universities in the US. Proudly believing her daughter, Padmaja shared the news with relatives.
However, when she discovered that Sahitya had actually failed four subjects, she felt humiliated and deceived. On the morning of April 29, Padmaja entered her daughter’s room, tied her college ID tag around her neck, and stabbed her multiple times while she was asleep. After the act, she attempted suicide by stabbing herself in the abdomen.
The 51st sessions court, under Judge C.B. Santosh, found Padmaja guilty and imposed a life sentence along with a fine of ₹50,000. The case was investigated by the Banashankari police, and Public Prosecutor B.H. Bhaskar argued the case.
This tragedy highlights the immense pressure and unrealistic expectations placed on students, often leading to irreversible consequences. This tragic incident reflects the intense societal pressure surrounding academic success and family reputation. It raises urgent questions about mental health awareness, parental expectations, and the need for supportive conversations rather than harsh judgments. Addressing such issues can prevent similar heartbreaks and promote healthier emotional environments at home.
