Karnataka horror: Elderly woman strangled for gold, body hidden at home for 2 days before dumping

Bengaluru: Police in Karnataka have arrested a woman accused of murdering her elderly neighbour for gold and keeping the victim’s body concealed in her home for two days before dumping it near a lake.

The incident took place in Kooguru village, Anekal taluk, near Bengaluru, and came to light following an investigation by Sarjapur Police.

The victim, identified as Bhadramma, aged 68, had been missing since October 30. Her family and local residents launched extensive searches but were unable to trace her whereabouts. A missing person complaint was subsequently filed at Sarjapur Police Station on October 31, prompting officers to begin a large-scale search operation.

A breakthrough came on November 6, when police received information that Bhadramma was last seen visiting the home of a woman named Deepa, who lived in the same village. Deepa was taken into custody for questioning, during which she allegedly confessed to the crime.

According to police, Deepa lured the elderly woman to her house on the pretext of offering kajjaya, a traditional sweet, before strangling her to steal her gold chain. She then reportedly placed the body in a large bag and kept it hidden inside her home for two days.

As decomposition set in and the odour became unbearable, Deepa is said to have repacked the body and enlisted her son’s help under the pretence of disposing of rubbish. Together, they allegedly transported the body to Doddathimmasandra Lake, where they dumped it among bushes near the lakebed.

Police said Deepa returned home and went about her daily routine as though nothing had happened. When questioned by Bhadramma’s anxious relatives, she claimed the elderly woman had already returned home.

Investigators later recovered the body and sent it for post-mortem examination. Deepa has since been arrested and charged with murder under the relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code.

Preliminary investigations indicate that greed for gold was the motive behind the killing. Police are continuing inquiries to determine whether any of Deepa’s family members were involved and to recover the missing jewellery.