Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)
Mangaluru, Nov 11: A financial crisis stemming from a lavish lifestyle is suspected to have led to the tragic murder-suicide involving the family of Karthik Bhat from Pakshikere.
Despite being unemployed for a significant period, Karthik reportedly continued to maintain a high-end lifestyle. It is believed that mounting debts may have driven him to take the lives of his wife, son, and himself.
After the post-mortem was completed at Wenlock Hospital, the mortal remains of all three were cremated together at Kerekaadu. In a note, Karthik had requested his final rites be performed by his in-laws, a decision that both families respected at the cremation.
Karthik, his wife, and child were residing in an apartment owned by a relative at Pakshikere, while his elderly parents ran a small canteen in the area. There was reportedly a strained relationship between Karthik and his parents for the past two to three years. He did not interact with them and often brought food from hotels for his wife and son, while his parents managed their own meals.
Previously employed at a society in Mangaluru, Karthik had not been working for some time but continued to live lavishly, incurring debts from several friends. Despite financial struggles, he installed an air conditioner in his room, with the electricity bill being paid by his elderly father.
Neighbours recalled that Karthik was well-mannered in his early years but underwent a significant change in attitude after marriage. He reportedly lost a substantial amount of money in online gambling, worsening his financial crisis.
The mobile phones of Karthik and his wife Priyanka are missing, with family members and police unable to locate them. Authorities suspect the phones may contain critical information about Karthik's debts.
In a recent purchase, Karthik bought a scooter and registered it in his father’s name, which helped the police trace his residence. Karthik regularly took his son to school in Suratkal and brought him home in the afternoon, often going to a hotel for lunch with his wife.
Priyanka’s mother mentioned to the media that the couple shared a good relationship. Priyanka had called her mother on Thursday morning, informing her of plans to visit their home in Shivamogga in December.
The family recently celebrated Deepavali with much enthusiasm below their apartment building, leaving neighbours in shock over the sudden tragedy.
Both Priyanka and their son, Hriday, had stab injuries on their necks with no signs of resistance, suggesting that they were attacked while asleep. Karthik initially attempted to hang himself using a saree tied to a fan but, after failing, he reportedly laid down on railway tracks as a train approached.
Based on preliminary evidence, it appears the murders were not premeditated. Priyanka and Hriday were found dead in the bathroom with broken glass, indicating a sudden and impulsive decision. Police suspect that an argument the previous night or a threatening call from creditors may have driven Karthik to make the fatal decision. In his diary, Karthik left instructions that his final rites be carried out by his in-laws.