On May 12, 2019, the coastal town of Mangaluru, Karnataka, was horrified by the discovery of a dismembered woman’s body, found in different parts of the city. The first chilling discovery came when a fruit vendor named Somesh found a woman’s head in a bag along National Highway 66. The victim was identified as 39-year-old Shrimathi Shetty, a local resident who ran a chit fund business and an electronics shop.

Body Parts Unearthed Across Mangaluru

Following the discovery of the head, other grim reports flooded the Mangaluru police. A torso was found near a Christian cemetery, partially devoured by stray dogs. The following day, two legs were discovered on a roadside. All parts were sent for post-mortem at Wenlock District Hospital.

At the same time, Kishore Shetty reported his sister, Shrimathi, missing. When her remains were shown to him, he confirmed the identity of the victim.

Multiple Suspects, No Clear Leads

Initial investigations turned to Shrimathi’s estranged husband and her lover, Sudeep, who was already in prison for theft. However, both men were cleared after thorough questioning. Police then shifted their focus to her business and employees but found no clues. Examining her daily routine and phone records, the investigation took a new turn.

CCTV Breakthrough Points to Killer

After reviewing over 100 CCTV cameras across the city, police found a critical two-second clip. Shrimathi was seen speaking to a man on a two-wheeler near Sooterpete on May 11. The man was identified as Jhonas Samson, a kebab vendor who owed Shrimathi Rs 16,000.

Motive and Arrest

On May 14, police visited Samson’s home, where he attempted suicide but was saved. During interrogation, he confessed to the murder. Samson explained that Shrimathi had publicly humiliated him in front of his wife, Victoria Mathias, demanding repayment. In a fit of rage, he struck her with a wooden plank, killing her. He and his wife then dismembered the body and scattered the remains around the city.

Both Samson and Victoria were arrested, bringing this disturbing case to a close.

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