Bengaluru: The investigation into the alleged triple murder in Bengaluru‘s KR Puram has taken an unusual turn, with police claiming that the prime accused, Kenneth (25), extensively used an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot while planning the crime over several months. Investigators allege that Kenneth consulted Google’s Gemini chatbot to seek information through hypothetical questions before allegedly murdering the parents and younger sister of his live-in partner, Shwetha, on June 22.
Police, however, have not suggested that the AI chatbot bears any legal responsibility. Instead, they are examining the accused’s alleged use of the technology as part of the evidence in the case.
Police allege months of AI-assisted planning
According to police sources, Kenneth allegedly spent nearly six months planning the murders and consulted the AI chatbot at multiple stages of the process.
Investigators claim he deliberately avoided asking direct questions such as how to commit murder or dispose of bodies. Instead, he allegedly framed hypothetical scenarios to obtain information related to weapons, self-defence situations and disposal methods.
Police believe this approach allowed him to gather information without making explicit criminal queries.
Alleged motive linked to financial dispute
Investigators allege that the motive behind the murders stemmed from financial disagreements.
According to the police, Shwetha had borrowed approximately Rs 50 lakh from her parents to finance Kenneth’s proposed cloud kitchen business.
As the money was exhausted and her parents allegedly demanded repayment, investigators believe Kenneth began viewing the family as an obstacle.
Police allege that the conspiracy gradually developed over several months before the murders were carried out.
Furnace disposal plan allegedly abandoned
Police further claim that Kenneth initially intended to dispose of the bodies using an iron furnace purchased for the proposed cloud kitchen venture.
Investigators allege that after assessing the practical challenges and consulting the AI chatbot, he concluded that the plan was not feasible.
The police claim he then explored alternative methods through similar hypothetical queries.
Murders and subsequent arrest
According to the investigation, Kenneth allegedly lured Shwetha’s mother, Muthulakshmi (48), to the apartment on June 22 and fatally attacked her.
Police allege that when Shwetha’s father, Somasundar (55), and younger sister, Supriya (20), arrived separately, they were also attacked.
Investigators further allege that Kenneth and Shwetha stole cash and silver ornaments from the house before fleeing to Puducherry.
Both were arrested on June 24.
Police said the case was strengthened by Somasundar’s dying declaration before he succumbed to his injuries.
Google asked to share Gemini chat history
As part of the ongoing investigation, Bengaluru Police have reportedly approached Google seeking access to Kenneth’s Gemini chat history.
Investigators believe the conversations could help establish the extent to which the chatbot was allegedly used during the planning of the crime and corroborate other digital evidence collected during the investigation.
Officials have described the case as one of the first in Bengaluru where an AI chatbot is alleged to have played such a significant role in the planning of a serious crime.
AI tool not under investigation
Police have clarified that the AI chatbot itself is not being treated as an accused or held legally liable.
Officials said the focus remains entirely on the alleged actions and intent of the accused persons, with the chatbot’s records being examined only as potential digital evidence.
The investigation has nevertheless raised broader questions about how law enforcement agencies should handle cases in which artificial intelligence tools are allegedly used during the planning of crimes.
Investigation continues
Police also stated that psychological assessments conducted during the investigation indicated that Kenneth had experienced severe social isolation and personal setbacks before the alleged murders.
Investigators are continuing to analyse digital evidence, financial records and other material as they prepare the case for prosecution.
Conclusion
The Bengaluru triple murder investigation has opened a new chapter in criminal investigations involving artificial intelligence. While police allege that the accused used an AI chatbot to aid his planning, the focus of the investigation remains on establishing the role of the accused through digital evidence, witness statements and forensic findings.