In September 2013, the tranquil town of Hassan was rocked by the brutal murder of 32-year-old homemaker Thejaswini Ranga. Thejaswini, who lived with her husband and children, was found dead in her home after her husband, Ranga A R, received a call from a colleague about the tragedy. The cupboards were ransacked, indicating a robbery.
The investigation faced major hurdles due to a lack of leads, but a breakthrough came when the police traced Thejaswini’s missing mobile phone to a dhaba (roadside eatery) where it had been used by one of the accused as a “payment” for a meal. This clue led to the arrest of the suspects: Manjegowda, Manu Kumar, Manjunatha, and Sunil.
Further inquiry revealed that the suspects had connections through criminal networks and had initially planned a theft elsewhere. The crime was executed with chilling precision; the accused entered Thejaswini’s home under the pretext of seeking directions, then murdered her and stole valuables worth Rs 10 lakh.
The court found the accused guilty of murder, dacoity, and destruction of evidence. On October 4, 2017, they were sentenced to life imprisonment by the additional district sessions court of Hassan, which described their act as “merciless” and indicative of a severe lack of humanity.
This case highlights the importance of swift and thorough investigation in solving violent crimes and ensuring justice for victims.