Bodies dumped at different locations near Nandi Hills; accused allegedly used a grinding stone to murder victims over two days
Bengaluru: In a shocking case of mass murder, a cab driver has been arrested for allegedly killing seven members of his wife’s family, including his wife and a seven-year-old boy, following prolonged domestic disputes in Bengaluru.
The accused, identified as Indushekhar, alias Shekhar, a resident of Rajajinagar, allegedly carried out the murders over two days at his house near Bhashyam Circle. He is suspected of using a traditional grinding stone to bludgeon the victims to death before transporting their bodies in his car and dumping them at different locations near Nandi Hills in Chikkaballapur district.
Police have so far recovered the body of seven-year-old Puneeth, while search operations are underway to trace the remaining six victims.
Seven Members of the Same Family Killed
The victims have been identified as the accused’s wife Sunitha, his mother-in-law Roopavathi, brothers-in-law Shivakumar and Shankar, their wives Divya and Nalini, and seven-year-old Puneeth, the son of Shivakumar.
According to preliminary investigations, Indushekhar allegedly planned the murders and invited his wife’s family members to his residence one by one over two days before attacking them with a grinding stone.
Frequent Disputes Over Wife’s Family Ties
Police suspect that prolonged marital discord was the motive behind the murders. Indushekhar and Sunitha had been married for nearly 20 years and reportedly had frequent arguments over her close relationship with her parental family.
Investigators believe the accused was unhappy with his wife’s continued association with her mother and brothers, who had reportedly supported her during disputes between the couple. Despite several attempts by family members to resolve their differences, the tensions continued.
According to preliminary police accounts, the accused first allegedly murdered Sunitha at his residence. He subsequently invited her brothers, Shivakumar and Shankar, to his house on the pretext of hosting a party and allegedly killed them.
He is also accused of murdering their wives, Divya and Nalini, his mother-in-law Roopavathi and the seven-year-old boy.
Bodies Dumped Near Nandi Hills
After the murders, the accused allegedly transported the bodies in his car and dumped them at different locations around the foothills of Nandi Hills.
Police suspect that he also used chemicals to clean bloodstains inside the house in an attempt to destroy evidence. The grinding stone allegedly used in the murders and the car used to transport the bodies have been seized.
During a search operation near Nandi Hills, police recovered the body of seven-year-old Puneeth. Efforts are underway to locate the remaining six bodies.
Missing Person Complaint Led to Arrest
The case came to light after Nalini went missing and her mother approached the Srirampura police station with a missing-person complaint.
During the investigation, police questioned Indushekhar after finding discrepancies in his statements. His alleged confession subsequently led investigators to uncover the suspected multiple murders.
A special investigation team has been formed to trace the remaining bodies and establish the sequence of events. Police are also investigating whether anyone else was involved in the crime.
Further investigation is underway.
