Man held for throwing six-year-old son into river over paternity doubts

 

By Sagaya Fernando | April 15, 2026

Vijayapura, Karnataka, INDIA: In a shocking case that has stunned both Karnataka and Maharashtra, a man from Vijayapura district has been arrested for allegedly throwing his six-year-old son into the Krishna River after villagers taunted him that the child did not resemble him.

The accused, identified as Mallikarjun Arakeri, a resident of Nagathan village in Vijayapura district, allegedly killed his son Siddharth by throwing him into the river near Vadoli Bhikeshwar area in Karad taluka of Maharashtra on March 16.

According to police, Mallikarjun took Siddharth from home on the pretext of securing his admission to a school. Instead, he travelled from Vijayapura to Karad and allegedly threw the child into a secluded stretch of the Krishna River.

After returning home, he reportedly told family members that Siddharth had been admitted to a hostel near Sindagi.

The crime remained hidden for nearly 20 days until Siddharth’s mother, Bhagyashree, insisted on bringing the child home for his birthday on April 1. When Mallikarjun failed to do so and allegedly fled the house after being questioned by family members, suspicion grew and a missing complaint was lodged.

During the investigation, Vijayapura Rural Police linked the case with a notice issued by Masur police station in Karad regarding the body of an unidentified boy found in the Krishna River on March 18.

Following sustained investigation, technical analysis and coordination between Karnataka and Maharashtra police teams, the body was identified as that of Siddharth Mallikarjun Arakeri.

Superintendent of Police Laxman Nimbargi said the accused has confessed to the crime.

Police said the murder was premeditated and driven by doubts over the child’s paternity. Investigators revealed that for the past one-and-a-half years, Mallikarjun had been facing taunts from villagers and acquaintances who allegedly questioned whether Siddharth was his biological son.

The resulting suspicion reportedly led to prolonged marital discord and ultimately culminated in the killing.

Deputy Superintendent of Police T.S. Sulpi of Vijayapura Rural said the accused was taken into custody and the crime scene was reconstructed.

“The investigation revealed that the murder was pre-planned. The accused confessed during questioning,” Sulpi said.

Police are continuing further investigation into the case.