Family Feud in Bengaluru Erupts Into Arson Attack
Bengaluru witnessed a dramatic escalation of a private loan dispute on July 1 when Subramani, aged 45, allegedly set fire to his relatives’ home in Viveknagar. The dispute goes back nearly a decade, tied to a ₹5 lakh wedding loan borrowed by Subramani's sister, Parvathi, to fund her daughter Mahalaxmi's marriage. Over years, requests to settle the loan were either ignored or met with friction, straining family ties.
Tensions finally boiled over during a recent wedding in the family. Instead of resolution or compromise, the gathering saw heated arguments and open threats. In the days that followed, these threats became reality. Subramani arrived at Venkata Ramani’s home in the early evening, carrying a can of petrol. Without hesitation, he poured fuel over the front door, a footwear stand nearby, and a window frame, then struck a match.
The entire act was caught on CCTV. The footage, which quickly spread across social media, shows flames leaping up from the front of the building. At the time, Venkata Ramani and her husband Mohan Das were inside the house, unaware of the imminent danger. Neighbors spotted the smoke and flames, rushing over with water and sand to put out the fire before it could spread further. Their quick action kept the incident from turning deadly.
Community Shaken as Suspects Flee
The aftermath left the home’s entrance and windows charred, the sense of safety shattered. Locals gathered at the scene, shaken that a financial row could lead to near-tragedy. Venkata Ramani’s son, Satish, was nearby at work when he got a frantic call and raced to his family. Thankfully, he arrived to find his parents safe, thanks to the swift response of helpful neighbors.
The case didn’t end at the scene. Police have opened a file under charges of attempt to murder and arson—serious offenses that reflect the gravity of the attack. Subramani is now wanted by the authorities, along with Parvathi and Mahalaxmi, who are also unaccounted for. Police have launched a search, combing the area as tips and footage pour in.
With the CCTV footage continuing to circulate online, the episode has sparked conversations around money and trust in family networks. But mostly, residents are left uneasy, reminded that even longstanding grievances can turn violent under the right— or wrong—circumstances.
For many in Bengaluru, this isn’t just a story of arson or an unsettled loan. It’s a cautionary tale about how simmering resentment and unaddressed conflict can ignite in ways no one expects.