In a chilling incident from Bengaluru’s Viveknagar, a 47-year-old retired soldier, Bolu Arab, was allegedly killed by his own wife and son due to ongoing tensions over his rigid household rules.

Arab, originally from Maharashtra, had voluntarily retired from the armed forces in 2017 and was residing with his wife Tabassum, 36, and their 19-year-old son, Sameer. The shocking crime came to light early Sunday morning when Sameer dialed the police helpline at around 1 am, claiming a group of six intruders had assaulted and killed his father.

However, discrepancies at the crime scene raised doubts. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Shekhar H Tekkannavar and the local police team arrived swiftly. As they probed deeper, they became suspicious of the family’s account.

Following intense questioning, the mother and son confessed. Investigations revealed that Arab’s unrelenting control over household matters had built deep resentment. On Saturday night, after being scolded for meeting friends, Sameer—encouraged by his mother—decided to act.

Sameer reportedly mixed sleeping pills into Arab’s dinner. In the early hours, when Arab was fast asleep, the mother-son duo attempted to suffocate him with a pillow. Arab briefly regained consciousness and resisted, but the sedatives weakened him. Seizing the moment, Sameer strangled him.

Police say Arab’s constant suspicion and harsh treatment pushed the family to the edge. The couple had been married for 22 years, with Tabassum originally from Hyderabad and Sameer now a college freshman.