Bengaluru: The death of a 40-year-old security guard on the outskirts of the city, initially believed to be a road accident, has been confirmed as a case of murder. Sulibele police have arrested the victim’s wife, Pushpa, 33, and her alleged lover, Devaraj, in connection with the crime.The deceased has been identified as Ashok SM, a resident of Siddanahalli village in Hoskote. He was found dead on the Thammarasanahalli–Siddanahalli Road during the intervening night of Jan 22 and 23.
According to police, Pushpa initially lodged a complaint stating she received a phone call from one of Ashok’s acquaintances, Ramesh SV, around 2.30am on Jan 23, informing her that Ashok had hit an electric pole and died. She rushed to the spot, where she found Ashok’s two-wheeler with its headlight visor damaged. Ashok had sustained an injury to the back of his head.A senior police officer said Pushpa insisted the case be registered as an accident, claiming that Ashok was heavily drunk when he left home. However, police suspected foul play and asked her to file a complaint seeking a detailed investigation. A case was nevertheless registered under BNS Section 106 (causing death by negligence).Ashok was employed at a solar plant. As per Pushpa’s statement, he returned home around 10.30pm on Jan 22 after consuming alcohol and later left the house again on his two-wheeler, leaving his mobile phone behind.Police said Ramesh and other villagers were contacted after Ashok’s body was found on the roadside. Several villagers also expressed suspicion, pointing out that there were no bloodstains at the scene.During the investigation, one of Ashok’s colleagues told police that Ashok had been at his workplace until about 7.30pm and had later received a call inviting him to a party near a lake. Ashok reportedly attended the gathering with his friends.The post-mortem report later confirmed that Ashok’s death was caused by an assault. Police then detained Pushpa and Devaraj, who subsequently confessed to the crime.Police said Pushpa and Devaraj were allegedly in an extramarital relationship. Ashok often fought with her after consuming alcohol and had assaulted her on multiple occasions. Devaraj allegedly promised to take care of Pushpa and her children, following which the two decided to eliminate Ashok.According to police, Devaraj sought the help of his friends and, having known Ashok for several years, invited him to the party. After getting him heavily drunk, Devaraj and his associates allegedly assaulted him with iron rods, killing him.Pushpa and Devaraj will be produced before a magistrate and are expected to be remanded to police custody again Tuesday.
