Bengaluru: A migrant woman from Bihar was allegedly murdered by her husband, who is suspected of wrapping her body in a bedsheet before fleeing the city. The crime remained undetected for nearly five days until a foul smell emanating from the couple’s rented house alerted neighbours and led to the discovery of the body on the outskirts of Bengaluru.
The incident was reported within the jurisdiction of Kumbalagodu Police Station near the Bengaluru–Mysuru Expressway. Police have launched a manhunt for the woman’s husband, who is the prime suspect in the case.
Body discovered after colleague raised alarm
The deceased has been identified as Reema Kumari, while her husband, Dheeraj Kumar, has been named as the prime accused.
According to police, the couple had moved to Bengaluru from Bihar around a year ago in search of employment and were working at a factory near Gerupalya.
The incident came to light after Reema failed to report for work for several days. Concerned by her absence, one of her colleagues visited the couple’s rented accommodation on Thursday and noticed a strong foul smell coming from inside the house.
The house owner was informed and opened the locked premises, where Reema’s body was found in a highly decomposed state.
Body wrapped in bedsheet
Police said the victim’s body had been wrapped in a bedsheet and kept near the toilet inside the house.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the murder may have taken place on Sunday, nearly four to five days before the body was discovered.
Due to the advanced stage of decomposition, the body was shifted to a mortuary for a postmortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.
Husband suspected to have fled to Bihar
Investigators suspect that Dheeraj Kumar killed his wife before fleeing to his native place in Bihar.
Police have launched a search operation to trace and arrest him. Teams are coordinating with their counterparts in Bihar as part of the investigation.
The motive behind the alleged murder has not yet been established.
Neighbours shocked by incident
Residents of the locality told police that the couple had a love marriage and had relocated to Bengaluru to build a new life.
Neighbours described them as friendly and said they maintained a regular routine, leaving for work every morning and returning in the evening.
When Reema was not seen for several days, neighbours initially assumed she had travelled elsewhere and did not suspect any foul play.
Investigation continues
Police are examining CCTV footage from the surrounding area to track the accused’s movements before and after the suspected murder.
Investigators are also recording statements from neighbours, co-workers and other witnesses while collecting forensic evidence from the scene.
The Kumbalagodu Police have registered a case and are continuing their investigation to establish the motive and reconstruct the sequence of events leading to the woman’s death.