Bengaluru: A 21-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly murdering a 61-year-old woman, stuffing her body into a suitcase and dumping it in a lake on the outskirts of Bengaluru in an attempt to rob her gold jewellery. Police said the accused was traced and arrested within 24 hours of the body being recovered.
The victim has been identified as Jayamma (61), wife of Boregowda and a resident of Challaghatta in Kengeri. She had been reported missing before her body was discovered inside a red suitcase floating in Thimmappa Lake at Ramohalli on July 21.
Body found floating in lake
According to the police, they received information at around 12.33 pm on July 21 about a suspicious suitcase floating in Thimmappa Lake.
A police team rushed to the spot and recovered the red suitcase from the water. On opening it, officers found the body of a woman, prompting an intensive investigation to establish her identity and determine the circumstances surrounding her death.
Subsequent inquiries confirmed that the deceased was Jayamma, who had earlier been reported missing from the Challaghatta area.
Accused arrested within 24 hours
The investigation was taken up by the Kumbalagodu Police, who formed a special investigation team to trace the suspect.
Based on technical evidence and field inquiries, police identified and arrested Gagan R (21), also a resident of Challaghatta, within 24 hours of recovering the body.
Police said the swift breakthrough was achieved through coordinated investigation and analysis of available evidence.
Jewellery robbery believed to be motive
According to investigators, Gagan allegedly strangled Jayamma with the intention of stealing her gold ornaments.
Police alleged that after killing the woman, he removed her gold chain and earrings before placing the body inside a red suitcase found in the house.
Investigators further alleged that the accused transported the suitcase on his motorcycle to Thimmappa Lake at Ramohalli and dumped it into the water in an attempt to conceal the crime and destroy evidence.
Police are continuing to verify the sequence of events and recover additional evidence related to the case.
Scientific evidence being collected
Officials said investigators are collecting scientific and forensic evidence to strengthen the prosecution’s case.
The police are examining CCTV footage from the surrounding areas, analysing technical evidence and recording witness statements to reconstruct the movements of the accused before and after the alleged crime.
Forensic experts are also expected to examine material recovered during the investigation.
Investigation continues
Police have not disclosed whether the accused and the victim were previously acquainted or whether additional persons were involved in the offence.
Investigators are probing all aspects of the case, including the exact sequence of events, the recovery of the stolen jewellery and the accused’s movements after the alleged murder.
The accused has been taken into custody, and further legal proceedings will follow as the investigation progresses.
Conclusion
The arrest of the accused within 24 hours marks a significant breakthrough for the Bengaluru police. However, investigators continue to gather forensic, digital and circumstantial evidence to establish the full facts surrounding the alleged murder and robbery before filing a comprehensive chargesheet.