In a chilling case, Bengaluru police have apprehended two individuals for the alleged murder and theft of a 50-year-old woman, identified as Latha, at her residence in Cottonpet. The accused — Purandar (42), a distant kin of the deceased, and his associate Shivappa (35) — both hail from Bidar and worked as electricians in a private pharma firm.
Authorities revealed that the duo reportedly fell victim to a “rice-pulling” scam — a notorious con that entices people with promises of high returns — and were in urgent need of cash. Driven by mounting pressure, they allegedly targeted Latha for money and valuables.
On May 26, the two suspects traveled to Bengaluru by a Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus. They proceeded straight to Latha’s house on P S Lane. Owing to prior visits by Purandar, Latha allowed them inside and offered them breakfast, unaware of their intent.
Investigators suspect the woman was strangled, as no weapons were recovered at the scene, suggesting the act may not have been planned in advance. After committing the crime, the pair fled with approximately 100 grams of gold ornaments and ₹1.5 lakh in cash.
Later that afternoon, Latha’s husband, Prakash Mehtre, returned to find her lifeless near the kitchen. The family, settled in Bengaluru for over a decade, includes a daughter working in the private sector and a son attending high school.
The police are reconstructing the sequence of events to fully understand the motive and execution of the crime.
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