Arya Kadam, 17, had been receiving daily psychiatric treatment in Pune for mood swings intensified by excessive mobile and television use. The family had already seen a violent episode in May when Arya fractured her father's arm during a confrontation.
On Saturday night in Satara, a quarrel erupted when Arya, upset about the television, struck her younger sister in the eye. Purushottam, visibly angry, admonished her, after which Arya lunged at him with a cricket bat, shouting abusive words. The father seized the bat in a fit of rage and struck Arya on the head, killing her on the spot.
Police recovered the blood‑stained bat from a rooftop and found evidence that the family had attempted to clean up the scene, washing Arya’s t‑shirt three times and wiping blood from the floor. When questioned, Purushottam confessed to the murder, citing his frustration with Arya’s perceived addiction and mental decline.
Neighbors described Arya as a friendly, loving girl who mingled well with others, a stark contrast to the violent act. Sheela, the mother and co‑teacher, reportedly sat near the body for hours before reporting the death.
Purushottam has been taken into custody and will face murder charges, while Satara police continue to investigate the circumstances of the killing.