Bengaluru: A vacant plot in the city’s MS Nagar Agrahara Layout became the centre of a murder investigation after workers cleaning the overgrown site discovered the decomposed body of a woman wrapped in a bedsheet. Police have arrested her husband in connection with the alleged murder.
The body was discovered when workers hired to clear vegetation from the vacant plot noticed what appeared to be a bed lying inside the premises. When they attempted to move it, they saw a leg protruding from underneath and alerted local residents, who subsequently informed the police.
Body discovered during plot cleaning
The site owner had arranged for the vacant plot to be cleaned after the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) issued a notice directing owners to clear such sites.
According to local residents, the plot had been purchased nearly 15 years ago but had apparently remained unattended and overgrown for a long period.
A resident, Ganesh, from M S Nagar, Thirumenahalli, said around five or six workers were engaged in clearing the heavily overgrown site.
The workers had reportedly cleared about half of the plot when they noticed the bed-like structure. They initially believed it was discarded material that had to be removed.
However, when they tried to move it, they saw a leg protruding from underneath and realised that it was a human body. The residents were alerted and informed the police.
Police personnel reached the spot along with forensic experts and confirmed that the remains were those of a woman.
Victim identified as Anusuya
The deceased was identified as Anusuya, 28, who originally hailed from Odisha.
Police subsequently arrested her husband, Sagar Chandra Rawat, 32, in connection with the case.
According to the police investigation, Anusuya and Sagar had come to Bengaluru in search of employment and had married around two years ago after being in a relationship.
The marriage had reportedly taken place without Anusuya informing her family. Her relatives came to know about the marriage only after her death.
The couple were employed at different hotels, with Sagar reportedly working as a kitchen supervisor.
Police said the body had been at the vacant site for around 20 days before it was discovered and was in an advanced state of decomposition. Stray dogs had also reportedly dragged parts of the body, making identification more difficult.
Investigators initially faced difficulties in establishing the woman’s identity and reportedly made arrangements for her last rites.
Clothing tag helps investigators trace identity
A clothing tag found on the body eventually provided investigators with an important clue.
Police reportedly traced the tag to a garment purchased from a mall and examined the purchase details. The information obtained during the process helped investigators establish a connection to Anusuya.
Investigators subsequently questioned people associated with the hotel where Sagar worked.
During the inquiry, police reportedly learnt about disputes between the couple, including disagreements related to finances.
Police allege financial dispute led to murder
According to the police investigation, the couple frequently quarrelled over financial matters.
Police allege that Anusuya went to the hotel where Sagar worked on August 11 and confronted him over his salary. Following the argument, the couple returned home, where the dispute allegedly continued.
Investigators allege that Sagar subsequently strangled Anusuya.
Police further suspect that he kept her body at their residence for around three days before wrapping it in a bedsheet, tying it with a rope and dumping it at the vacant plot.
Investigators also suspect that Sagar returned to the area on several occasions after disposing of the body to check whether it had been discovered.
The police arrested Sagar within a week of the discovery of the body.
The investigation is continuing, and further details are expected as police examine the circumstances surrounding the alleged murder and disposal of the body.