Siddapur, February 3, 2026: A violent clash over a minor daughter’s custody in Avarguppe village has resulted in the tragic murder of the child’s uncle Vasanth Naik (around 40), with six persons arrested, including the girl’s mother Suchitra as the prime accused.

According to police investigation, the daughter had expressed her desire to stay with her father Mahesh during counselling by Sirsi Child Welfare authorities. The girl had run away from her mother Suchitra a day earlier by bus to her father’s place, reportedly due to her mother’s alleged extramarital affair. Mahesh took the child to the authorities, and after counselling, she was permitted to remain with him.

On Sunday night, Suchitra arrived with a group to forcibly take her daughter back. The argument between the parents escalated into a physical confrontation. Suchitra allegedly used a knife with premeditated intent, initially targeting Mahesh. However, Vasanth Naik (Mahesh’s elder brother and the child’s uncle) intervened to protect him and was fatally attacked, succumbing to his injuries.

SP Deepan stated: “The daughter wanted to stay with her father Mahesh due to her mother’s affair. Suchitra came armed with a knife to take the child. The attack was primarily aimed at Mahesh, but Vasanth was killed while defending his brother. Mahesh and Kumar are undergoing treatment in Shivamogga hospital. Vasanth’s body has been sent for post-mortem in Karwar. Full protection has been provided to the bereaved family.”

The group arrived in a car, and some members were not directly related to the family dispute, raising suspicions of pre-planning. A case has been registered under relevant sections including murder, and investigation is ongoing to determine the full sequence and involvement of all accused.