Woman Who Saved 3-Day-Old Baby Killed By Same Child 13 Years Later

In a chilling case from Odisha, a 13-year-old girl, along with two young men, has been arrested for allegedly murdering her 54-year-old adoptive mother, Rajalaxmi Kar, at their rented residence in Paralakhemundi town, Gajapati district.

The case remained hidden for over two weeks until a critical clue emerged – the girl's forgotten mobile phone, left behind in Bhubaneswar. Rajalaxmi's brother, Siba Prasad Mishra, found the device and, upon examining it, discovered Instagram conversations detailing the murder plot. The messages reportedly included specific discussions about killing Rajalaxmi and seizing her cash and gold ornaments. Following this, Mr. Mishra lodged a complaint at the Paralakhemundi police station on May 14, leading to the arrests.

The Alleged Crime

According to the police, the teenage girl and her two male associates – temple priest Ganesh Rath (21) and his friend Dinesh Sahu (20) – conspired to kill Rajalaxmi on April 29. Investigators say the motive was Rajalaxmi's opposition to her daughter's relationship with the two men and the desire to gain control over her property.

On the evening of the alleged murder, the teenager is said to have given her mother sleeping pills. Once Rajalaxmi was unconscious, the girl reportedly called Rath and Sahu, and the three then smothered her with pillows. The woman was taken to a hospital, where she was declared dead. The trio allegedly told hospital staff and family members that Rajalaxmi had died of a heart attack – a plausible claim given her prior heart condition.

The following day, her body was cremated in Bhubaneswar in the presence of relatives, who were led to believe she had died of natural causes.

Uncovering the Motive

The police claim that Rath convinced the teenager that by killing Rajalaxmi, they could continue their relationship without interference and gain access to her property. Investigators have recovered approximately 30 grams of gold ornaments, three mobile phones, and two pillows allegedly used in the crime.

Rajalaxmi and her husband had found the infant girl abandoned on a roadside nearly 14 years ago. They adopted her, raising her as their own. After her husband's death just a year later, Rajalaxmi single-handedly raised the girl, even moving to Paralakhemundi to enroll her in Kendriya Vidyalaya for better educational opportunities.

However, police say tensions grew as the girl became involved with Rath and Sahu, both much older than her, despite Rajalaxmi's objections.

The three accused have been arrested and are in police custody as the investigation continues. Gajapati Superintendent of Police Jatindra Kumar Panda confirmed the arrests, stating that the trio faces charges including murder, conspiracy, and destruction of evidence.

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