MYSURU: A 35-year-old man from Hunsur in Mysuru district allegedly died after his wife and her alleged lover conspired to kill him, with police arresting both in connection with the case. The accused allegedly mixed poisonous datura seeds into idli batter and later strangled the man with the help of the alleged accomplice.

The deceased has been identified as Rama Prasad, a resident of Vinoba Colony in Hunsur. His wife, Pavithra, 30, and Sunil, 30, who is alleged to have been in a relationship with her, were arrested and remanded to judicial custody.

Police registered a murder case after further investigation raised suspicions about the circumstances surrounding Rama Prasad’s death on October 16.

Brother’s complaint leads to further investigation

Hunsur Rural Police initially visited the scene following Rama Prasad’s death. During the preliminary inquiry, Pavithra reportedly told investigators that she had served her husband curd rice the previous night and found him unresponsive the following morning.

Based on the initial information, police registered a case of unnatural death. However, suspicions arose after the deceased’s brother, Chandrahas, lodged a complaint on October 20, alleging foul play and seeking a detailed investigation.

Hunsur Rural Police Inspector Santhosh Kashyap led the investigation, gathering information about the family and circumstances surrounding the death. Investigators reportedly learnt that rumours of an alleged relationship between Pavithra and Sunil had been circulating in the locality.

Police also received information that Sunil had allegedly spoken about the murder among people in his circle. This information reportedly reached investigators and contributed to the further inquiry.

Post-mortem findings raise suspicion

Although the initial examination reportedly revealed no visible signs of murder on Rama Prasad’s body, doctors raised concerns about the cause of death during the post-mortem examination.

Following these indications, police summoned Pavithra and Sunil for questioning. During interrogation, Pavithra allegedly told investigators that she had mixed crushed datura seeds into idli batter while preparing breakfast on October 16 and served it to her husband.

According to the police account reported by Star of Mysore, Rama Prasad became seriously ill after consuming the food. Pavithra allegedly called Sunil to the house later that night, where the two are accused of strangling him.

Investigators subsequently arrested both suspects and registered a murder case. They were produced before a court, which remanded them to judicial custody.

Datura is a poisonous plant

Datura, known as Datturi in Kannada and thorn apple in English, is a highly poisonous plant. Its seeds and flowers contain toxic compounds that can cause severe poisoning and may be fatal if ingested.

The alleged use of the plant is a key aspect of the case as reported by the newspaper. The investigation concerns both the circumstances in which Rama Prasad became unwell and the subsequent allegations surrounding his death.

Investigation continues

The case came under scrutiny after the deceased’s brother questioned the initial explanation for the death and approached police. The post-mortem findings and information gathered during the inquiry prompted investigators to examine the possibility of a planned murder.

The arrests mark a significant development in the investigation, but the allegations against Pavithra and Sunil remain subject to judicial proceedings. Their arrest and remand do not, by themselves, establish guilt.

Police are investigating the circumstances of Rama Prasad’s death and the alleged roles of the two accused. Further details may emerge as the case proceeds through the legal process.