Retired Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) bus driver Venkateshan R, 65, strangled his 60-year-old paralysed wife Baby M with a nylon rope before hanging himself at their home in Chikkagowdanapalya, south Bengaluru, on 2 December 2025.
Their son Arun Kumar (also reported as Anil Kumar) informed Subramanyapura police that Venkateshan had voiced threats for two years over Baby’s post-stroke bedridden state, with daughter-in-law discovering the bodies around 12:45 pm; no suicide note found, case registered as murder-suicide.
Police confirmed no external involvement, underscoring family distress without official statements from BMTC or authorities yet.
Family’s Anguish and Repeated Warnings
Venkateshan, a dedicated BMTC driver for decades until retirement, lived with his son’s family in a modest home off Kanakapura Road. Baby suffered a severe stroke five years ago, leaving her speechless, wheelchair-bound, and fully dependent, which eroded the couple’s quality of life.
Family members recounted his frequent outbursts: “I cannot see her in this condition. One day I will kill her and then end my life,” he reportedly told relatives during heated arguments, especially when alone with her.
Neighbours portrayed Venkateshan as a quiet, reliable man who rose early for walks and chatted amiably, masking his inner turmoil. The son, working nearby, bore much of the caregiving load, but tensions peaked during his absences.
No prior complaints reached police, revealing how private suffering festered unchecked. This humanises a tale of devotion turning desperate under unrelenting pressure.
Discovery and Police Probe Unfolds
The daughter-in-law returned home midday on 2 December, spotting the horrific scene through a window: Baby with ligature marks on her neck, Venkateshan suspended from the ceiling by the same nylon rope.
Subramanyapura police rushed in, shifting bodies for autopsy at Victoria Hospital, which preliminarily linked both deaths to asphyxiation. Officers scoured the residence, finding no note or signs of intrusion, solidifying the murder-suicide narrative.
Investigation continues into Venkateshan’s mental state, with family statements central. Son Arun detailed the two-year pattern of threats tied to Baby’s immobility and speech loss, yet no professional help was sought.
As of 5 December 2025, no BMTC response or higher police updates emerged, though the case draws attention to domestic crises in urban households.
Years of Unseen Decline
Baby’s stroke in 2020 marked the start, progressively confining her to bed and straining resources in Bengaluru’s high-cost healthcare landscape. Venkateshan managed her needs amid his own ageing, retirement cutting income while medical bills mounted.
Arguments with children intensified over her care, yet isolation prevailed-no community aides or counselling intervened despite warnings.
This mirrors wider Indian challenges: elderly couples comprise 14% of urban families, per recent surveys, with mental health support lagging.
Similar Bengaluru cases, like past BMTC staff suicides amid work stress, highlight systemic gaps, though this stems from home burdens. Venkateshan’s service record remains untarnished publicly.
Broader Context: Caregiver Crisis Exposed
Urban India’s rapid ageing-projected 20% seniors by 2050-amplifies such risks, where 70% caregivers report burnout without respite services. Bengaluru’s elderly helplines exist, but awareness stays low; post-Covid, depression cases rose 25% among seniors, per health data.
Venkateshan’s story spotlights absent safety nets for working-class retirees facing chronic illness.
NGOs like Nightingales Medical Trust advocate home care training, yet reach remains limited.
Police note rising domestic suicides, urging family vigilance. Venkateshan’s BMTC tenure, serving lakhs daily, contrasts his final isolation.
Echoes in BMTC Community
While unrelated to duty, Venkateshan’s death revives BMTC concerns past probes into driver suicides cited harassment and overwork, though retired status shifts focus here.
Unions once protested 30 suicides since 2021, demanding better welfare, but elder care stays sidelined. No BMTC tribute yet, leaving colleagues mourning silently.
This incident prompts questions on transport workers’ post-retirement support, including health insurance extensions. Families like Arun’s now grapple with loss and stigma.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Heart-wrenching tales like Venkateshan and Baby’s demand society reject silence on mental fragility, championing empathy through accessible therapy, caregiver forums, and neighbourhood watches that spark dialogue before despair wins.
Honouring peace means scaling helplines like Kiran (1800-599-0019) and Arogya Vani (104), weaving kindness into daily coexistence for harmonious futures.
