Crime Beat

A shocking crime in Bengaluru has left neighbourhoods in Nelamangala reeling after a 68‑year‑old woman was brutally murdered and robbed inside her home while her husband lay bedridden beside her 

 (https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2026/Feb/20/woman-robbed-killed-in-front-of-bedridden-husband-in-bengaluru)

Woman robbed, killed in front of bedridden husband in Bengaluru

The crime came to light around 6.30 pm when a physiotherapist arrived for the husband’s session and found him lying beside his wife’s body.

Police claim that the incident took place at the residence of a couple located on Pete Beedhi Street. The alleged perpetrator, who has been identified as a 35-year-old male (a neighbour and a wholesale shop owner), is said to have tricked the woman into letting him into her home by falsely requesting water; once he gained access to the home, he is said to have cut the woman's throat and stolen the gold bangles she was wearing. The estimated weight of the stolen jewellery was approximately 450 grams.

The crime was discovered by a Physiotherapy Assistant who arrived at the couple's home for an appointment around 6:30 PM when he found that the woman was dead. Recognising that he had found a crime scene, he contacted the police, who were able to quickly locate and apprehend the suspect less than 100 metres from the crime scene based on the suspect´s movements as seen on surveillance video footage.

Preliminary investigations point to the suspect having experienced severe financial difficulties, having substantial gambling-related debt (reportedly), and this being the motive for committing the robbery/murder. Police reported that no cash had been taken from the crime scene; it appeared from the evidence that the suspect's intent was to rob the victim of the value of her property, i.e. the gold bangles; therefore, it does not appear to have been a robbery motivated by "needs".

Residents of the community expressed disbelief at the attack in the area, which occurred in a place that many community members frequent, and thus have begun to say, “I’ll be more cautious” since there was an assault committed in that place. Community residents also expressed their concerns about their own safety and the safety of older adults and people with disabilities living in their neighbourhoods due to the assault.

The majority of residents indicated they would like police to be more focused on responding to calls from the public about incidents of violence or all types of crimes so that residents do not feel unsafe either living or visiting their neighbourhoods.

Authorities have opened an investigation into this incident and remain on the scene to look for any evidence and link this incident to any other similar incidents in the area. While the arrest of an assailant brings some relief to community members, this incident serves as a reminder of the difficulties that cities often face in balancing the need for safety and respect for community members.