Pramesh S Jain
The Subramanyapura police have apprehended a tenant couple in connection with the brutal murder of their landlord’s 65-year-old wife,Srilakshmi, in Uttarahalli.
The accused, identified as Maharashtra natives Prasad Srishail (26) and his wife Sakshi Hanamanta (23), reportedly visited the woman’s home under the pretense of watching television.
Once inside,they allegedly strangled her and took her mangalsutra before fleeing.
Senior officer visited the spot and after inspecting the spot said that the couple were living alone as they had no children.
On the day of the incident,Ashwath Narayan,who works at an Agarbathi (incense stick) factory in Cottonpet.
He left home around 9.30 a.m.and tried to contact his wife around 2.15 p.m,but she did not respond to his calls.
Growing concerned,he later contacted their tenant, Phaniraj,around 5.30 p.m,requesting him to check on her.
He was out and went home at around 6 pm the house and found Shreelakshmi lying unconscious on the floor.
When Ashwath Narayan rushed home,he discovered injuries on her neck,lips,and face,and noticed that her mangalsutra (gold chain) was missing.He immediately alerted the Subramanyapura Police.
Subramanyapura police started the investigation and it was revealed that Shreelakshmi had spoken to her elder sister Sampathi Lakshmi earlier in the afternoon,saying some one is checking the TV and she stepped out to talk to her.
According to investigators,the couple had borrowed money from various individuals,including their landlord, Ashwath Narayan,who works at an incense stick factory in Cottonpet.
Police suspect the motive behind the crime was financial distress,as the accused were searching the house for valuables after the murder.When they failed to find cash or other items,they stole the mangalsutra.
Both Srishail,who worked as a labourer,and Sakshi,a receptionist at a local jewellery store,have been taken into custody for further questioning.
The Subramanyapura Police have registered a case under Sections 103(1) ( murder ) and 311 read ( robbery ) under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Act.
