Kerala Woman Dies After Brutal Assault in Bengaluru; Accused at Large

Thrissur: A 47-year-old woman from Kerala, Sunitha Mangattu, died following a brutal assault at a private animal shelter in Bengaluru, in a case that has triggered shock and outrage.

Sunitha, a native of Thalikulam in Thrissur district, had travelled to Bengaluru on April 17 after being offered a job at a facility run by Deepak Krishnan, who claimed to operate a centre for caring for stray dogs. She was reportedly promised a monthly salary of ₹40,000. Accompanying her were a relative and another young woman.

Back home, Sunitha and her husband Shinto were known for sheltering around 160 stray dogs at their residence, feeding them using leftover midday meals collected from nearby schools. With schools closed, they struggled to sustain the animals, prompting Sunitha to seek employment in Bengaluru.

However, soon after joining the shelter, Sunitha faced hostile and abusive behaviour from Deepak. Disturbed by the situation, she decided to quit and return home. According to reports, it was after she informed Deepak of her decision that the assault took place.

Sunitha was subjected to extreme physical violence. She was knocked to the ground, repeatedly stomped on the chest and head, and her head was forcefully slammed against a wall multiple times. The assault left her unconscious.

Following the incident, the two women who were with Sunitha were reportedly locked inside the premises by the accused. They later managed to alert the police. When officers arrived and attempted to intervene, the accused locked them inside as well. Additional police personnel later reached the scene and rescued the victims.

Sunitha was initially treated in Bengaluru, after which her husband rushed her back to Thrissur for further medical care. Despite treatment, she succumbed to her injuries.

Shinto has filed a complaint with the police and submitted threat messages posted by the accused, in which he reportedly admitted to assaulting Sunitha and made further threats. Police have registered a case and launched an investigation against Deepak Krishnan.