Bengaluru– A couple living together in a rented house in Jigani, on the outskirts of Bengaluru, was found dead on Monday, with police suspecting it to be a case of death by suicide following a domestic quarrel.
Neighbours alerted police after foul smell
The deceased have been identified as Seema Nayak (25) and Rakesh Nayak (23), both natives of Odisha. Rakesh was employed with a security services firm, while Seema worked at a local supermarket.
According to the Jigani Police, the deaths are believed to have occurred two days prior to discovery. The incident came to light when neighbours noticed a foul odour emanating from the locked house and realised the couple had not been seen for several days.
“Neighbours broke open a window to check after repeated knocks went unanswered. Inside, they found both Seema and Rakesh unresponsive. They immediately alerted the police,” an officer told NDTV.
Frequent fights reported between the couple
Preliminary investigation suggests that the couple often argued over Rakesh’s alleged drinking habit. A friend who shared the accommodation with them reportedly left the house on Friday following one such altercation.
Police believe that Rakesh may have taken his own life after a heated argument, and Seema possibly died by suicide soon after. However, officers said that all angles are being investigated, including possible foul play.
“The couple had frequent quarrels, and one of their friends had left the home after their last fight. Based on the scene and available evidence, we suspect it to be a case of suicide,” a senior police official said.
Investigation and post-mortem underway
The bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination to ascertain the exact cause and time of death. Police have also collected forensic samples from the site and are verifying phone records and witness statements.
“The house has been sealed temporarily for forensic examination. Once the autopsy results are available, we will know more,” the officer added.
Police officials have informed the couple’s families in Odisha, who are expected to arrive in Bengaluru soon. The authorities are also coordinating with local representatives to facilitate the repatriation of the bodies after post-mortem formalities are complete.
Community in shock over incident
Residents of the neighbourhood expressed shock over the deaths, describing the couple as “quiet and hardworking.” A local shop owner said that Seema had been working at the supermarket for nearly a year and was known for being polite and punctual.
“She often came home late after her shift but never spoke much about her personal life. We did hear occasional arguments, but nothing seemed too serious,” the neighbour said.
Social workers in the area have called for greater awareness of mental health and domestic conflict management, especially among young working couples living away from family support systems.
Police stress need for relationship counselling
A senior police officer involved in the case remarked that such incidents highlight the importance of timely intervention in domestic disputes.
“Increasingly, we are seeing young couples dealing with stress, financial instability, and relationship conflicts without adequate support. Early counselling could help prevent such tragedies,” the officer said.
The Jigani Police have registered a case under Section 174 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), which pertains to unnatural deaths, and are awaiting the forensic and autopsy reports before confirming the sequence of events.
