'Attacked with repeated kicks, punches': Man kills mother over bitter gourd curry in Maharashtra
Times of India
by MAZHAR ALIFebruary 21, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A tragic incident in Maharashtra, India, has left a village in shock after a 37-year-old man allegedly killed his 65-year-old mother over an argument about the preparation of bitter gourd curry. The accused, identified as Jagdish Petkule, was arrested shortly after the incident, which occurred in Dongargaon village on Thursday night. According to police reports, the quarrel escalated into a violent altercation where Petkule attacked his mother with repeated kicks and punches. Sumitra, the victim, succumbed to her injuries immediately.
The incident unfolded during an argument over dinner preparation, a seemingly trivial matter that led to a fatal outcome. Police sources revealed that Petkule had a history of alcohol dependence, which may have contributed to the violence. His wife had left him two months prior, and he was reported to be living with his mother at the time of the incident. On the night of the attack, Petkule was allegedly under the influence of alcohol, further fueling the altercation.
Villagers promptly alerted authorities after learning about the assault, leading a police team from Mul police station to arrive at the scene. The body was sent for a postmortem examination to determine the exact cause of death. Police have since registered a case and are conducting a detailed investigation to establish the sequence of events and any additional circumstances that may have contributed to the tragedy.
This heartbreaking incident highlights the potential dangers of unresolved family conflicts, alcohol abuse, and the lack of access to mental health resources in rural areas. Such cases underscore the importance of addressing these issues proactively to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Readers interested in
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/21/2026