Bengaluru: Bengaluru Police have approached a local court seeking permission to conduct brain mapping tests on two software engineers accused in the sensational triple murder of a woman’s parents and sister in KR Puram last month.

The prime accused, M Shwetha (24) and her live-in partner Kenneth J (25), are currently lodged in Bengaluru Central Prison under judicial custody.

Police seek brain mapping

Deputy Commissioner of Police Saidulu Adavat said investigators want to conduct brain mapping tests on the accused to verify the claims they have made during questioning and gather additional evidence related to the case.

Brain mapping is a forensic technique that records brain activity in response to specific words or images to determine whether a person has knowledge of a crime. Unlike a polygraph test, which measures physical responses such as heart rate and breathing to detect deception, brain mapping focuses on cognitive recognition.

Triple murder shocked Bengaluru

According to police, the murders took place on June 22 at Kenneth’s apartment in Seegehalli, near KR Puram.

Investigators allege that Kenneth fatally stabbed Shwetha’s mother, M Muthulakshmi, while she was asleep. With Shwetha’s alleged assistance, the body was moved to a bedroom.

When Shwetha’s father, Somasundar, and sister, Supriya, entered the apartment, Kenneth allegedly attacked them as well. Somasundar managed to run out but collapsed on the staircase after sustaining injuries. Supriya was allegedly chased and repeatedly stabbed.

Somasundar later succumbed to his injuries in hospital after reportedly giving a statement to police alleging that Kenneth and his daughter had attacked the family.

Financial disputes under probe

Police sources said the murders were allegedly linked to financial distress and family disputes. During interrogation, the accused reportedly claimed that Shwetha’s parents were upset over unpaid loans amounting to ₹56 lakh, which she had allegedly borrowed to support Kenneth and meet his personal expenses.

Investigators said the brain mapping test, if permitted by the court, could help corroborate the statements made by the accused as the probe continues.