In Belagavi, Karnataka, a 27-year-old woman, Renuka, was allegedly murdered by her husband and in-laws, who tried to disguise the crime as a road accident, police reported on Tuesday.
The incident took place on May 17 in Malabad village, Athani taluk. Renuka had been married for five years to Santosh Honakande, a software professional. Due to her inability to conceive, Santosh married another woman, now pregnant. Despite pressure to vacate the home, Renuka chose to remain, which eventually led to a deadly conspiracy.
Authorities arrested Santosh, his father Kamanna, and mother Jayashree for their involvement. During investigation, the trio initially claimed Renuka died in a motorbike accident. However, inconsistencies in their account prompted further inquiry.
Superintendent of Police Bheemashankar Guled labeled the act “heinous.” He revealed that after Renuka visited a temple on Saturday, her in-laws picked her up. Midway, they pushed her off the motorcycle. When she survived, they strangled her. To fabricate an accident, they used her saree to tie her to the vehicle and dragged her for over 100 feet.
Following rapid forensic examination and interrogation, Kamanna confessed. The investigation also uncovered possible dowry harassment and confirmed Santosh’s role in the plot.
All three accused were taken into custody and presented before a magistrate. Authorities continue probing deeper into the motive and background.
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