Bengaluru Security Guard's Death Ruled Murder, Wife and Lover Arrested
In a shocking turn of events, the death of a 40-year-old security guard on the outskirts of Bengaluru, which was initially believed to be a road accident, has now been confirmed as a premeditated murder. The Sulibele police have made significant arrests in connection with this gruesome crime, apprehending the victim's wife, Pushpa, aged 33, and her alleged lover, Devaraj.
Victim Identified and Initial Findings
The deceased has been identified as Ashok SM, a resident of Siddanahalli village in Hoskote. His lifeless body was discovered on the Thammarasanahalli–Siddanahalli Road during the intervening night of January 22 and 23. At first glance, the scene suggested a tragic accident, with Ashok's two-wheeler showing damage to its headlight visor and the victim sustaining an injury to the back of his head.
Pushpa initially lodged a complaint, stating that she received a distressing phone call around 2:30 AM on January 23 from one of Ashok's acquaintances, Ramesh SV. The call informed her that Ashok had allegedly hit an electric pole and died. She rushed to the spot, where she found the damaged vehicle and her husband's body.
Suspicious Circumstances and Police Investigation
Despite Pushpa's insistence that the case be registered as an accident, claiming Ashok was heavily drunk when he left home, police officers sensed foul play. A senior police officer noted that Pushpa was adamant about the accident narrative, but investigators urged her to file a complaint seeking a detailed probe. Consequently, a case was registered under BNS Section 106 for causing death by negligence.
Ashok, who was employed at a solar plant, had returned home around 10:30 PM on January 22 after consuming alcohol. According to Pushpa's statement, he later left the house again on his two-wheeler, leaving his mobile phone behind. This detail raised eyebrows among the investigators.
Police contacted Ramesh and other villagers after Ashok's body was found. Several villagers expressed suspicion, pointing out the absence of bloodstains at the scene, which contradicted the accident theory. During the investigation, one of Ashok's colleagues revealed that Ashok had been at his workplace until about 7:30 PM and had later received a call inviting him to a party near a lake. Ashok reportedly attended this gathering with his friends.
Post-Mortem Revelation and Arrests
The turning point in the case came with the post-mortem report, which conclusively confirmed that Ashok's death was caused by an assault, not an accident. This revelation prompted police to detain Pushpa and Devaraj, who subsequently confessed to their involvement in the murder.
Police investigations uncovered that Pushpa and Devaraj were allegedly involved in an extramarital relationship. Ashok, who often fought with his wife after consuming alcohol and had assaulted her on multiple occasions, became a target. Devaraj allegedly promised to take care of Pushpa and her children, leading the duo to hatch a plan to eliminate Ashok.
Murder Plot and Execution
According to police, Devaraj, who had known Ashok for several years, sought the help of his friends to carry out the murder. He invited Ashok to the party near the lake, where they got him heavily drunk. In a brutal attack, Devaraj and his associates allegedly assaulted Ashok with iron rods, resulting in his death.
The meticulous planning and execution of the crime highlight the premeditated nature of this homicide. Police have emphasized that the initial accident claim was a cover-up attempt by the perpetrators.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
Pushpa and Devaraj are set to be produced before a magistrate, with expectations that they will be remanded to police custody again on Tuesday. The case has sent shockwaves through the local community, underscoring the importance of thorough police investigations in uncovering the truth behind seemingly straightforward incidents.
This murder case serves as a grim reminder of how personal conflicts can escalate into violent crimes, and it highlights the critical role of forensic evidence and witness testimonies in solving such complex cases.
