A missing person case in Tumakuru district has culminated in the arrest of a 55-year-old farmer, with DNA profiling revealing a chilling tale of betrayal, jealousy, and a meticulously planned murder.
The Disappearance
For nearly four months, the mystery surrounding the disappearance of 26-year-old Shwetha B from Muttugadahalli village baffled police. On January 19, Shwetha left her home, telling her family she was travelling to Mayasandra village for personal work. Days passed without any word. Her worried husband, Basavagowda, a farmer, lodged a complaint at Turuvekere police station on January 28. The couple have two minor daughters.
Discovery of a Body
On February 1, a police patrol team discovered the badly burnt body of an unidentified woman dumped in a ditch inside the Ramasagara reserve forest. The remains were shifted to a mortuary at Bellur Cross. Basavagowda, summoned by police, could not identify the body due to severe burns.
Investigation and DNA Proof
Tumakuru Superintendent of Police KV Ashok formed a special investigation team led by Inspector BN Lohit. The team revisited the crime scene and recovered crucial clues: half-burnt footwear, a broken gold nose ring, and fragments of glass bangles. When shown these items, Shwetha's mother Sujata and her daughters identified them as belonging to Shwetha. Blood samples from Sujata and visceral samples from the victim were sent for DNA profiling. In late May, the report confirmed the charred body was indeed Shwetha's.
"By then, Lohit and his team, confident it was Shwetha's body, had identified potential suspects. Soon, they found that a romance had ended fatally," Ashok told TOI.
The Suspect
Police initially struggled because Shwetha’s mobile phone was switched off soon after she left home. The investigation led to Bhanuprakash, 55, a farmer from the same village. During questioning, police discovered that Shwetha and Bhanuprakash were involved in an extramarital relationship. Over time, tensions developed, and Bhanuprakash became increasingly jealous, believing Shwetha had friendships with other men.
The Murder Plan
Police said Bhanuprakash plotted the murder in detail. He purchased petrol from a fuel station in a two-litre water bottle and hid it in the forest area where he planned to take Shwetha. On January 19, he lured her onto his motorbike under false pretences and drove her deep into the Ramasagara reserve forest. There, he smothered her to death, doused her body with petrol, and set her ablaze to destroy evidence.
Following a complaint by Basavagowda, police arrested Bhanuprakash on charges of murder. "He robbed her gold ornaments and pledged them with a pawnbroker at Bellur Cross. We have recovered them. In the shop register, Bhanuprakash clearly entered his name and signature. This will be vital evidence against him," an investigating officer said.
Conclusion
The case highlights the crucial role of DNA profiling in solving crimes and bringing perpetrators to justice. Bhanuprakash remains in custody as investigations continue.
