Sister-in-law and accomplice arrested for murder of woman in Kandavarapet

The Chikkaballapur police have arrested a 23-year-old woman's sister-in-law and her accomplice in Kandavarapet, Chikkaballapur, within 24 hours of the victim's murder. The suspects allegedly conspired to kill the woman, identified as Pushpalatha, and stage the crime scene as a robbery-for-gain.

The arrests followed the discovery of Pushpalatha's body at her home shortly after midnight on May 28. The suspects in custody have been identified as Bhavya, who is the twin sister of Pushpalatha’s husband Bharath, and her cousin, Lohith Kumar of Hoskote.

Initially, Bhavya attempted to mislead investigators by claiming that an unidentified intruder had entered the home. She told police that the intruder sprayed pepper spray on her, knocked her unconscious, and slit Pushpalatha’s throat before fleeing with her gold ornaments.

However, the police investigation took a turn when forensic examinations and the autopsy report raised doubts about Bhavya's version of events. Investigators found no signs of forced entry into the house. Furthermore, the injury on the victim's throat was found to be superficial, contradicting the claim that she died from throat-slitting.

Superintendent of Police Kushal Chousky stated that sustained interrogation led Bhavya to confess to the crime. Bhavya revealed that she was being blackmailed by Lohith Kumar, who held private videos and photographs of her and had already extorted Rs 6 lakh from her.

To satisfy Lohith's escalating demands, Bhavya reportedly plotted to rob Pushpalatha. Taking advantage of the family's absence, Bhavya left the door open for Lohith. Lohith then allegedly smothered Pushpalatha with a pillow to kill her, made a small cut on her throat to stage a murder-for-gain, and fled with her jewellery.

Both Bhavya and Lohith Kumar have been arrested by the police. Investigators are currently looking into whether any other family members were involved in the conspiracy.