A Shocking Betrayal
A 13-year-old girl from Odisha, adopted as a newborn after being found abandoned on the roadside, has been accused of murdering her adoptive mother with the help of two teenage boys. The incident, which has sent shockwaves through Paralakhemundi town in Gajapati district, unfolded on April 29 but came to light weeks later through digital evidence.
The victim, 54-year-old Rajalaxmi Kar, had adopted the girl when she was just three days old. A single woman with no children of her own, Rajalaxmi raised the girl as her daughter, investing her life in the child’s upbringing and education.
Conspiracy Behind Closed Doors
According to police investigations, the girl—now a Class 8 student—was in a relationship with two young men, which her adoptive mother strongly opposed. Police believe this tension led the teenager to conspire with the boys to eliminate Rajalaxmi and take control of her property and valuables.
The plan was meticulously laid out. On the night of the murder, the trio allegedly laced Rajalaxmi’s food with sleeping pills. Once she fell unconscious, they reportedly suffocated her using pillows. Rajalaxmi was rushed to the hospital where she was declared dead. The suspects claimed she had suffered a sudden cardiac arrest.
The next day, her body was taken to Bhubaneswar and cremated in the presence of extended family members. At the time, none suspected foul play.
Truth Uncovered Through Instagram Chats
The case took a dramatic turn nearly two weeks later when Rajalaxmi’s brother, Siba Prasad Mishra, stumbled upon the girl’s forgotten mobile phone in Bhubaneswar. While checking the device, he found disturbing Instagram conversations between the girl and her alleged accomplices.
The chats were explicit—discussing how and when to kill Rajalaxmi, and how to split her cash and gold jewelry afterward. Alarmed, Siba Prasad immediately reported the findings to the police, prompting a fresh investigation and arrests.
Police Investigation and Legal Action
All three suspects—the girl and her two male friends—have been detained and are currently being questioned by the authorities. Due to her age, the girl has been placed in a juvenile facility, while the two boys are being held separately.
Police officials stated that the crime reflects a dangerous blend of teenage impulsiveness, emotional manipulation, and access to social media, where the plan appears to have been hatched and finalized. Authorities are also looking into whether any other individuals were involved or aware of the conspiracy.
A Tragic Turn of Fate
This disturbing case highlights the grim reality of how quickly trust and love can be shattered when emotions go unchecked and young minds are influenced by peer pressure and digital platforms.
A woman who gave a child a second chance at life lost her own in a brutal betrayal. As investigators unravel the layers of this crime, the community mourns not only a life lost, but also a bond broken in the most heart-breaking way.
(With agency inputs)
