Hyderabad: Police in Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka arrested a 56-year-old woman, her 33-year-old lover, and two others for murdering her husband, whose charred remains were found near railway tracks.
Accused and Victim Identified
The accused are Meenakshamma, her lover Pradeep, and his friends Siddesh and Vishwas, all residents of Kadur. The victim, Subramanya (60), worked as a tailor.
Complaint Leads to Discovery
Meenakshamma filed a missing person complaint at Kadur police station on June 2, claiming her husband had gone out on May 31 and never returned. Police tracked Subramanya’s phone location and soon received a report from railway officials about a partially burnt leg near the tracks. Authorities recovered the body and launched a detailed investigation.
Murder Exposed Through CCTV
CCTV footage from May 31 showed Subramanya entering a car with Pradeep, Siddesh, and Vishwas. Police detained the three men, who confessed to murdering Subramanya. All four accused were produced before the court on June 8 and remain in judicial custody.
How the Crime Happened
Investigators said the men lured Subramanya with alcohol and drove him to a secluded area near Sakharayapatna. After drinking, Pradeep slit his throat. The group tried to burn the body but failed to destroy it completely and abandoned it at the site. Meenakshamma filed the complaint only after confirming her husband was dead.
Woman’s Role Comes to Light
Initially, suspicion did not fall on Meenakshamma because she appeared distressed. But Pradeep’s confession exposed her involvement. Call data records further linked her to the plot. She and Pradeep had not spoken directly for six months, but she frequently called a number registered under Pradeep’s mother, which he used.
Motive Behind the Murder
Police said Meenakshamma and Pradeep, both tailors, began their relationship four years ago. When Subramanya discovered the affair, she conspired to eliminate him to continue her relationship without obstacles. The couple had two married daughters and grandchildren. Investigators confirmed the murder stemmed from the illicit affair.
