For property, there will be blood
Bengaluru has witnessed a disturbing trend of property-related murders, with a significant number of elderly individuals falling victim to their own family members. In 2023 alone, the city has seen a staggering 12 cases of murder, 51 attempted murders, and two culpable homicides arising from property disputes.
In a heart-wrenching incident in a village in Bengaluru Rural District, an elderly couple was allegedly killed by their own son over a property dispute. The victims, identified as Ramakrishanappa, 70, and his wife Muniramakka, 65, had expressed their intention to divide their possessions equally among their five children, including four daughters and one son. However, their son’s alleged refusal to accept this decision led to their untimely demise.
According to local law enforcement, the couple was likely murdered by their son on Sunday evening. After committing the heinous act, the suspect reportedly locked the door from the outside before leaving the premises. The tragedy came to light when one of the couple’s daughters tried to reach them by phone but received no response. Prompted by a complaint from the concerned daughter, the police detained the suspect, Narasimha, and initiated a thorough investigation into the case.
Superintendent of Police for Bengaluru Rural District, Mallikarjun, confirmed that the bodies were taken to a nearby hospital for further examination, and the investigation is currently underway.
This incident sheds light on a distressing reality that senior citizens in our community face an increased vulnerability when it comes to fraud and property disputes. Shockingly, there have been numerous cases where elderly individuals have fallen victim to violence at the hands of their own family members due to disagreements over property.
Recent data reveals a significant surge in crimes against the elderly, nearly doubling from 2020 to 2022. In 2020, the city reported 210 such cases, which rose to 237 in 2021. However, the numbers skyrocketed to a worrisome 458 cases in 2022.
Out of the total reported cases in 2022, Bengaluru witnessed 392 arrests, predominantly involving male perpetrators. The offenses ranged from forgery, deception, and fraud (accounting for the highest number with 174 cases) to simple harm (70 cases), theft (66 cases), robbery (39 cases), and even murder (17 cases).
The data further highlights 16 instances of assault against elderly women with intentions to offend their modesty. Additionally, there were five attempted murder cases, 19 incidents of criminal trespass, and 12 cases of criminal intimidation against senior citizens.
Disturbingly, the police currently have a daunting 630 ongoing investigations into crimes against the elderly, as there are an additional 172 pending cases from 2021.
With such a prevailing issue at hand, it is crucial for our society to prioritize the safety and well-being of our senior citizens. Measures should be implemented to ensure their protection, particularly in cases related to property disputes. By addressing this issue head-on and providing adequate support, we can hope to prevent further acts of violence and bring justice to those who have already suffered.
In conclusion, the recent murders of elderly individuals in Bengaluru over property disputes have raised an alarm about the safety of our senior citizens. The rise in crimes against the elderly demands immediate attention and action. It is essential for the community, law enforcement agencies, and the government to work collaboratively in providing a secure environment for our senior citizens. Only then can we truly protect their rights and ensure their well-being in our society.
