Mother arrested After Alleged attempted Sacrifice of Daughter at Bengaluru Temple
BENGALURU – A 55-year-old woman, identified as Sarojamma, was taken into custody Wednesday after allegedly attacking her 25-year-old daughter, Rekha, with a machete at the Harihareshwara Temple in Sampigehalli, off Thanisandra Main Road. Passersby intervened and transported both women to a hospital before notifying police. Authorities are investigating the incident as a potential attempted human sacrifice.
Rekha sustained critical injuries to her neck and remains hospitalized in critical condition. Sarojamma is out of danger but under observation. Police have registered a case under Section 307 (attempt to murder) and are analyzing CCTV footage of the attack to determine the sequence of events and the motive. The incident highlights the dangers of extreme beliefs and the potential for violence stemming from reliance on unverified spiritual practices.
According to police reports, the attack occurred around 4:30 pm while Sarojamma and Rekha were at the temple for a puja. Sarojamma allegedly attacked Rekha with the machete before attempting to inflict self-harm.
Investigators have learned that Rekha lives with her husband, Somashekar, a weaver, in anekal, but frequently returned to her mother’s home in sampigehalli following marital disputes. Both women had been participating in special pujas aimed at resolving Rekha’s marital problems. Sarojamma had recently consulted an astrologer who recommended the pujas to ward off perceived evil influences on the family.
Police stated that Rekha’s husband has not responded to attempts to contact him regarding the incident. The investigation is ongoing.
