Boy, 16, arrested for allegedly shooting and burying minor girlfriend near Kodihalli

A 16-year-old boy was arrested alongside his brother and uncle for allegedly shooting and killing his 16-year-old live-in girlfriend before burying her body on July 10 in Kempalanatha village near Kodihalli, located in the Bengaluru South district. The Kodihalli police registered a murder case and took the three suspects into custody after rumours about the crime began circulating in the area.

According to the police, the boy and the victim had befriended each other on social media about two months prior to the incident. The girl, who had discontinued her studies, had been living with the boy at his family's house for about a month. Her parents were aware she was living with a friend but did not question the arrangement, while the boy's family also knew of her presence but did not object.

The incident unfolded on July 10 when the boy allegedly found the girl texting another boy on social media. A fight ensued, during which the boy reprimanded and assaulted her. He then allegedly fetched an old, illegal country-made firearm and shot her.

Following the shooting, the boy informed his brother and uncle about the death. The two accomplices allegedly helped him bury the girl's body in an attempt to cover up the murder.

The crime came to light after the boy's uncle shared details of the incident with a friend. This friend spoke to others, causing rumours to spread through the community. The victim's parents heard these rumours and subsequently filed a missing person complaint with the police.

During questioning by the police, investigators uncovered that the girl had been murdered. Officers have since seized the country-made firearm used in the shooting. The weapon is believed to have belonged to the boy's deceased grandfather and had been kept illegally by the family.

The police are currently preparing to exhume the victim's body to conduct a postmortem examination. While statements have been recorded from both families, investigators noted several loose ends and are continuing to investigate potential negligence by multiple people involved in the case.