Kodagu: In a rapid investigation, police have apprehended three suspects in the murder of Ramesh, a 54-year-old real estate businessman from Telangana. The case drew considerable media attention following the discovery of Ramesh’s half-decomposed body on October 8 in Panya Estate, near Suntikoppa.
Authorities revealed that Ramesh had been murdered elsewhere before his body was set on fire with petrol, likely three to four days prior to its discovery. The shocking nature of the crime prompted an urgent investigation, with Superintendent of Police K. Ramarajan leading the charge. He mobilized four special teams consisting of 16 officers to tackle the high-profile case.
The investigation involved a thorough review of CCTV footage from vehicles in the vicinity, given that the crime scene was located just a kilometer from the highway. Officers analyzed data from thousands of vehicles across Madikeri, Suntikoppa, Kushalanagar, and Madapur, scrutinizing over 500 CCTV recordings from the area.
Attention turned to a red Benz linked to Ramesh, raising alarms as it became evident he had been missing for a week. Collaborative efforts between the Kodagu police and their Telangana counterparts yielded critical information about Ramesh’s family. This led to suspicions falling on his second wife, Niharika, along with her companion, veterinarian Dr. Nikhil, and her friend Ankur Rana.
Niharika, 29, from Mongeer Nagar, Telangana, had a tumultuous past. After losing her father at 16 and experiencing a troubled marriage, she excelled academically, graduating in engineering and landing a high-paying job at TCS in Bengaluru. However, her life took a turn when she became embroiled in a financial scam in Haryana, resulting in a jail sentence. Upon her release, she returned to Bengaluru and married Ramesh in 2018, enjoying a lavish lifestyle until financial disputes over an Rs 8 crore demand escalated tensions between them.
Following her arrest, Niharika disclosed shocking details about the murder, illuminating the complex dynamics leading to the crime.
Read Also:
Three Nabbed in Kodagu for Brutal Murder and Disposal of Man Over Wealth Dispute
KSTDC Aims to Boost Responsible Tourism in Kodagu with Connect Kodagu Initiative
