The mystery surrounding the death of six-year-old P Vennela in March has taken a disturbing turn, with the prime accused allegedly confessing to the circumstances that led to the child's death.Mohan GN, the live-in partner of Vennela's mother and the key suspect in the case, reportedly told police that he struck the girl after she accidentally spilled ice cream inside their car. He also allegedly forcefully covered her mouth to stop her from crying. Investigators said the two actions, carried out in quick succession, ultimately proved fatal.Vennela was the daughter of Praveen, an educationist from Davanagere, and Priyanka, an advocate. The couple had recently separated after Priyanka reconnected with her college friend Mohan. The two later began living together at a luxury residence in east Bengaluru.Mohan, a realtor, is currently in 10-day police custody, while Priyanka remains untraceable.According to investigators, on March 24, Mohan, Priyanka and Vennela spent the day visiting shops and eateries around Bengaluru's Indiranagar area. Later that night, they drove towards the outskirts of the city in their multiutility vehicle (MUV), stopping at Hoskote for biryani and ice cream.Police said the incident occurred while they were returning from Hoskote. Vennela allegedly spilled her ice cream inside the vehicle, triggering an outburst from Mohan.Authorities are now subjecting the MUV to advanced forensic testing in an effort to corroborate Mohan's confession with physical evidence. The forensic report is awaited.Mohan was arrested on June 4 following a complaint by Vennela's father, Praveen, who accused both Mohan and Priyanka of murdering the child. Praveen currently lives in Davanagere with the couple's elder daughter.During interrogation, Mohan reportedly recounted the events inside the vehicle. "Vennela spilled her ice cream all over the seat and on the foot mat. She was crying for a different cone. In a fit of rage, I hit her on the stomach with my elbow and tight-shut her mouth when she started crying loudly," Mohan reportedly told the investigators.A histopathology report later revealed internal injuries in the child's abdominal region. Investigators believe a combination of severe internal trauma and smothering led to her death.The probe has also uncovered a complex web of personal relationships behind the tragedy. Mohan is married and has two children, but police said he had left his family and moved into a luxury villa with Priyanka in January.In his complaint, Praveen alleged that Priyanka reconnected with Mohan in November 2025 and introduced him as her "old lover." He further claimed that she compelled him to sign divorce papers in January.Police also learnt that Mohan's wife had previously tracked down the couple and confronted Priyanka in a public altercation earlier this year. Investigators said Mohan and Priyanka had travelled to Madurai and nearby towns between March 21 and 24 before taking Vennela on the outing that ended in tragedy.