BENGALURU: A missing person investigation in Karnataka’s Tumakuru district has culminated in the arrest of a 55-year-old farmer, with DNA profiling helping police unravel what they describe as a meticulously planned murder driven by jealousy and a strained extramarital relationship.
The case centres on the disappearance of 26-year-old Shwetha B from Muttugadahalli village, who went missing in January before her charred remains were eventually identified through forensic analysis.
Woman Vanished After Leaving Home for Personal Work
According to police, Shwetha left her home on January 19, informing family members that she was travelling to Mayasandra village on personal work.
When she failed to return or contact her family for several days, her husband, Basavagowda, filed a missing person complaint at Turuvekere police station on January 28. The couple have two young daughters.
Burnt Body Found in Forest Days Later
The investigation took a grim turn on February 1 when a police patrol discovered the badly burnt body of an unidentified woman in a ditch inside the Ramasagara Reserve Forest.
The body was shifted to a mortuary at Bellur Cross. Due to the extensive burns, family members were initially unable to identify the remains.
Crucial Clues Recovered From Crime Scene
A special investigation team was formed under the supervision of Tumakuru Superintendent of Police K V Ashok and led by Inspector B N Lohit.
During a fresh examination of the crime scene, investigators recovered several key pieces of evidence, including:
- Half-burnt footwear
- A broken gold nose ring
- Fragments of glass bangles
When shown these items, Shwetha’s mother and daughters indicated that they resembled belongings regularly used by her.
DNA Test Confirms Victim’s Identity
To establish the victim’s identity conclusively, police sent biological samples from Shwetha’s mother and tissue samples recovered from the body for DNA analysis.
The forensic report, received in late May, confirmed that the charred remains belonged to Shwetha.
The confirmation gave investigators the breakthrough they needed to focus on identifying the killer and establishing a motive.
Investigation Points to Extramarital Relationship
As police examined Shwetha’s personal connections, suspicion fell on Bhanuprakash, a 55-year-old farmer from the same village.
Investigators discovered that he and Shwetha were allegedly involved in an extramarital relationship that had become increasingly strained over time.
According to police, Bhanuprakash had grown suspicious and jealous, believing that Shwetha was maintaining friendships with other men.
Police Allege Murder Was Planned in Advance
Investigators claim the accused carefully planned the crime beforehand.
According to the police version, Bhanuprakash allegedly purchased petrol from a fuel station and stored it in a two-litre bottle at a secluded location in the Ramasagara Reserve Forest before the murder.
On January 19, he allegedly persuaded Shwetha to accompany him on his motorcycle and took her deep into the forest.
Police allege that he then smothered her to death before pouring petrol on the body and setting it on fire in an attempt to destroy evidence and prevent identification.
Gold Ornaments Allegedly Pawned
Following his arrest, police say they recovered gold ornaments allegedly taken from the victim after the murder.
Investigators claim the jewellery had been pledged with a pawn broker at Bellur Cross.
According to officers, records maintained by the pawn shop contain Bhanuprakash’s name and signature, evidence they believe will strengthen the prosecution’s case during trial.
Forensics Played Key Role
The case highlights the growing importance of forensic science in criminal investigations. Despite the body’s condition and the initial absence of direct leads, DNA profiling enabled investigators to identify the victim and ultimately piece together the circumstances surrounding her death.
Bhanuprakash has been arrested and booked on charges of murder. The case will now proceed through the judicial process, where the allegations against him will be tested in court.
