A woman in India has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of her teenage daughter. The crime occurred after the daughter lied about her academic performance.
Bhimaneni Padmini Rani, a 59-year-old from Bengaluru, Karnataka, fatally stabbed her 17-year-old daughter, Sahiti Shivapriya, on April 29, 2024. Sahiti had been under pressure to succeed in her Pre-University Course (PUC) examinations, equivalent to A-levels in the UK. However, she had failed five of her tests.
Despite her failures, Sahiti informed her mother that she had passed with high marks. A confrontation ensued when the daughter admitted to failing one subject and blamed her mother for lack of support. Rani, who had boasted to relatives about her daughter's supposed academic success and plans for university in the US, was enraged upon discovering the truth. She had told relatives that her daughter was likely to attend a US university.
Rani expressed concern about the humiliation she would face if the truth were revealed. She also considered taking her own life. Rani sustained injuries during the incident but recovered after receiving medical treatment.
This case highlights the intense academic pressure prevalent in India, where failure can carry significant social stigma. Data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) indicates a concerning trend of student suicides in the country.
The NCRB reported a significant number of student suicides in 2021. The rate of student suicides has been increasing at an alarming rate, exceeding both population growth and overall suicide trends. Over the past two decades, student suicides have grown at a rate double the national average. Despite a decrease in the population of young people, the number of student suicides has increased substantially over the last decade.
6 Comments
The Truth
How could she think harming her daughter was an answer to her social humiliation? This is heartbreaking.
Answer
This case highlights why we need to reform the education system. No student should feel they have to lie just to avoid disappointment.
The Truth
Both Rani and her daughter are victims of a system that places grade success above wellbeing. Let’s change that!
Answer
Let’s not forget the mental health aspect here. Rani clearly felt overwhelmed and cornered. We need better support systems.
Muchacho
This case serves as an important reminder about the importance of mental health and the severity of academic pressure.
KittyKat
Instead of highlighting societal issues, let’s focus on the horrifying act itself. Murder can never be justified!