Preliminary investigation indicated that Prashanth, who worked as a driver, allegedly attacked and killed the three with a machete before dying by suicide. The police are yet to recover a suicide note.

Kin say man had mental health issues

“One of the relatives told us that Prashanth had been dealing with mental health issues. We are verifying these claims as part of the investigation. At this stage, the investigation is at the preliminary stage, and we are examining all aspects of the case,” Yatheesh said.

According to investigators, the murder happened while Prashanth’s father Chikkanna left for work in the morning.

“There had been no argument in the family on Friday night. I left for work as usual in the morning. I don’t know what happened after that. Had I stayed back at home, I too might have been killed,” he told reporters.

Investigators said the exact sequence of events and the motive are yet to be established, and all angles are being examined.

Mangalamma was employed at a garment factory, Nanjamma worked as a sweeper, while Satish was unmarried and worked as a plumber, the police said.