Bengaluru: A domestic worker allegedly murdered his elderly woman employer and later died by suicide at her residence in KAS Layout of BTM 2nd Stage in southern Bengaluru, police officials said on Sunday. The victim, aged 65, was found dead inside her house, while the accused house help, identified as Devaraju (50), a native of Tamil Nadu, was found hanging at the same location. The woman’s identity has been withheld at the request of her family.
The incident is believed to have taken place late Saturday night, but came to light only early Sunday morning when family members discovered the bodies and alerted the police. Senior officers and forensic teams visited the scene and began a detailed investigation.
Crime discovered by family member
According to police sources, the victim lived with her 27-year-old daughter in the house. In her complaint, the daughter stated that she had gone to sleep on the first floor on Saturday night and remained unaware of any disturbance.
She told police that the incident likely occurred between 10.30 pm on Saturday and 4.30 am on Sunday. During this period, the domestic worker allegedly murdered her mother on the ground floor and later died by suicide inside the same premises.
The crime came to light when the woman’s husband returned from Dubai early Sunday morning and rang the doorbell. The daughter woke up and opened the door. When he entered the ground floor room, he found his wife lying unresponsive and the house help hanging.
Police were immediately informed, following which a team rushed to the spot.
Prima facie signs of strangulation
Investigators said preliminary examination of the scene suggests the woman may have been strangled. However, officials emphasised that the exact cause of death will be confirmed only after the post-mortem examination.
Police have not ruled out any angle and are awaiting autopsy and forensic reports to determine the sequence of events and whether any additional offence took place.
“Investigations are in progress to ascertain whether the suspect murdered the woman and then died by suicide or whether there was anyone else involved. An autopsy will reveal the cause of death. Forensic teams are at the spot,” Joint Commissioner of Police (East) Ramesh Banoth said after visiting the scene.
Sources added that forensic experts are documenting injury marks, collecting biological samples and examining the surroundings for signs of struggle or forced entry.
Background of accused under verification
Police teams are verifying the background of the accused domestic worker, including his employment history and any prior criminal record. Officers are also questioning neighbours and nearby residents to find out if there were any recent disputes, behavioural changes or complaints.
Investigators are examining how long Devaraju had been working in the house and whether there had been any disagreements over salary, work conditions or personal issues.
His call records and recent movements are also likely to be analysed as part of the probe.
No signs of forced entry reported
Initial inspection has reportedly not shown signs of forced entry into the house, indicating that the accused, being a staff member, had authorised access. This strengthens the suspicion that the crime occurred within the household without external intrusion.
Police are also checking CCTV cameras in the locality to confirm whether any outsider entered or exited the premises during the suspected time window.
Statements from the daughter and other relatives are being recorded to reconstruct the timeline before and after the incident.
Case registered, probe continues
The jurisdictional Mico Layout police have registered a case of murder and unnatural death and launched a full-scale investigation. Both bodies have been shifted to a government hospital for post-mortem examination.
Officials said further clarity will emerge after autopsy findings, forensic analysis and technical evidence review are completed. Investigators are proceeding cautiously to establish motive and confirm whether the murder-suicide theory holds or if other factors are involved.
Conclusion
The shocking incident has raised concerns about domestic staff verification and household security, especially in homes with elderly residents. Police said the investigation remains open on all angles, and conclusions will be drawn only after medical and forensic reports are received.
