BENGALURU
What was initially believed to be a road accident involving an elderly woman has now turned into a shocking murder investigation, with police uncovering a conspiracy allegedly linked to a loan dispute. Adding another twist to the case, one of the accused died due to illness while in police custody, just two days after the woman’s death.
The deceased woman has been identified as Vijayalakshmi, who had reportedly lent money to one of the accused. According to police investigations, the accused allegedly plotted to kill her and steal money and valuables believed to be kept at her residence.
Police said accused Rakesh allegedly rammed his bike into Vijayalakshmi while she was walking on the road and fled the spot. Soon after, Pradeep, Yohan and Manjunath arrived in an autorickshaw and shifted the injured woman to a hospital. During the confusion, Manjunath allegedly took the house keys from Vijayalakshmi’s purse and went to her residence searching for cash and jewellery.
When neighbours questioned him, he allegedly claimed Vijayalakshmi had met with an accident and that he needed her Aadhaar card. However, becoming suspicious over his behaviour, residents continued questioning him, forcing him to flee the spot.
Meanwhile, Vijayalakshmi was shifted to Victoria Hospital. In a bid to mislead investigators, accused Rakesh himself approached the Vijayanagar Traffic Police and filed a complaint claiming that an unidentified vehicle had hit his acquaintance Vijayalakshmi and escaped. He also projected himself as the person who had rescued her.
Two days later, the case took a dramatic turn after police grew suspicious about inconsistencies in the incident. Simultaneously, the owner of Vijayalakshmi’s house lodged a complaint at the Mahalaxmi Layout Police Station regarding an attempted theft. During investigation, police allegedly uncovered evidence suggesting the accident had been deliberately planned as a murder.
Investigators revealed that accused Chethan, who had borrowed money from Vijayalakshmi, had conspired with Manjunath and others to eliminate her and steal valuables from her house. Police believe the hit-and-run was executed as part of the conspiracy.
However, before further interrogation could continue, accused Manjunath reportedly died of illness while in police custody. Police have registered a murder case and further investigation is underway.
