A Tumakuru court has convicted Yashoda (39) and her accomplice N Manjunath (35) for the alleged 2018 murder of Yashoda’s husband, Anjinappa, following the detailed testimony of their then seven-year-old daughter. The court, presided over by Judge Nagireddy, sentenced both to life imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₹5,000 each.
The minor’s account of the alleged violent altercation was pivotal in securing the conviction, marking a significant development in the pursuit of justice for the victim, who was allegedly killed by his wife and her accomplice. Officials have praised the child’s courage and the investigative efforts that led to this breakthrough.
Child’s Testimony Brings Closure to a Long-Standing Case
The case attracted widespread attention due to the granular and courageous testimony provided by the young daughter, who was barely seven years old at the time of the incident. She alleged that on the night of May 12, 2018, her mother Yashoda and Manjunath engaged in a violent fight with her father, Anjinappa, outside their shed in Madhugiri taluk, Tumakuru.
According to her testimony, the two accused allegedly struck her father multiple times with a motorbike shock absorber, inflicting fatal injuries. The court described her account as clear, consistent, and detailed, which was crucial in corroborating the prosecution’s case. Judge Nagireddy commended the child’s bravery in testifying against her own mother and Manjunath, emphasising that her statements formed the backbone of the conviction.
Background: A Tale of Betrayal, Violence, and Justice Delayed
Yashoda, Anjinappa, and their two minor children lived in a modest shed on an agricultural farm, where tensions reportedly simmered for some time. The murder allegedly occurred in the early hours of May 12, 2018, when Yashoda and Manjunath reportedly bludgeoned Anjinappa and subsequently disposed of his body in a nearby sump to conceal the crime.
Both accused were arrested shortly after the incident but were released on bail, and the investigation stalled for several years. It was only after the minor girl, now older, provided a detailed and consistent account of the night’s events that the case was reopened. This testimony proved instrumental in the court’s decision to convict the accused, bringing long-awaited closure to a painful chapter for the family and community.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This tragic case underscores the deep and lasting impact of domestic violence and betrayal within families, particularly on vulnerable children who witness such traumatic events. The courage shown by the minor in coming forward highlights the importance of creating safe spaces where survivors, especially children, can share their experiences without fear.
It also brings to light the critical need for timely and sensitive handling of such cases by law enforcement and the judiciary. As a society committed to peace, empathy, and coexistence, we must ask ourselves: How can we strengthen support systems to protect children from domestic violence and ensure their voices are heard? What steps can communities take to foster environments rooted in understanding, kindness, and dialogue?
