Police have filed a comprehensive charge sheet in the December murder of a 39-year-old banker in Bengaluru, naming her estranged husband as the prime accused in what investigators describe as a premeditated and chilling crime.
The 495-page charge sheet was submitted by the Magadi Road police before the 24th ACMM court last week, detailing evidence against Selva Balamurugan (40), a former tech professional.
Premeditated crime driven by suspicion
According to the investigation, Balamurugan allegedly shot his estranged wife, Bhuvaneshwari (39), in Rajajinagar on December 23 using a country-made pistol. He later surrendered at the police station.
Police said the accused was driven by intense suspicion regarding his wife’s fidelity, despite finding no evidence to support such claims. The victim had been living separately with their two children due to marital disputes and was working as an assistant manager at a nationalised bank.
Detailed planning and weapon procurement
The charge sheet outlines that the accused meticulously planned the murder. He had reportedly surveyed the jurisdictional police station in advance, intending to surrender immediately after the crime.
Investigators revealed that months before the incident, Balamurugan travelled to Bihar with co-accused Abhimanyu Singh to procure an illegal firearm from a gunrunner. He also carried a knife as a backup and had initially attempted to hire a contract killer, though the plan did not materialise.
Multiple accused and ongoing investigation
The case names seven accused and includes statements from 68 witnesses, along with forensic evidence, CCTV footage, and other material.
Abhimanyu Singh has been listed as the second accused, while Moulesh Kumar and Periyaswamy Mani are named as the third and fourth accused, respectively. All three are currently in judicial custody. Three others—Rahul, Hari, and Surya—are absconding and are believed to have assisted in procuring the weapon.
Legal charges and further action
Police have invoked Sections 103(1), 61, and 190 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Section 27 of the Arms Act, against the accused.
Officials stated that a supplementary charge sheet will be filed after pending forensic reports are received. Efforts are ongoing to trace the absconding accused and complete the investigation.