Bengaluru: The body of a 61-year-old woman, who had been missing for nearly a week, was found stuffed inside a suitcase dumped in Ramohalli Lake under the Kumbalagodu police station limits on Tuesday. Police suspect the woman was murdered for her gold jewellery, which was found missing.
The deceased has been identified as Jayamma (61), a resident of Challaghatta near the BMTC Depot.
Missing complaint led to investigation
According to police, Jayamma’s son, Jai Kumar (42), filed a missing person complaint on July 16, stating that his mother had left their home at around 3.35 pm on July 15 and failed to return.
Despite searching for her at relatives’ houses, friends’ residences and nearby localities, the family could not trace her and approached the Kumbalagodu police.
Police launched an investigation and continued efforts to locate the missing woman.
Suitcase surfaced in lake
The body was discovered after a suitcase floating in Ramohalli Lake caught the attention of locals, who alerted the police.
Investigators believe gases produced during decomposition caused the suitcase to rise to the water’s surface, exposing the victim’s hands. Police retrieved the suitcase and shifted the body for postmortem examination.
While the body had not completely decomposed, police said the head was in an advanced stage of decomposition, exposing parts of the skull. Injury marks were also found on the victim’s chest.
Jewellery missing, CCTV footage under scanner
A senior police officer said Jayamma’s mangalsutra, earrings and ring were missing, leading investigators to suspect murder for gain.
Police have launched a detailed investigation and are analysing CCTV footage from the surrounding areas to trace the victim’s movements and identify those responsible.
Officials said all possible angles are being examined, and further investigation is underway.