The investigation into the brutal murder of 29-year-old Mahalakshmi in Bengaluru took a significant turn on Monday as Karnataka Home Minister G Parmeshwaron announced that the prime suspect has been identified. The woman’s body, discovered in her apartment in the Malleswaram area on September 21, was found chopped into over 30 pieces and stored in a refrigerator. The grisly discovery was made after neighbors alerted authorities to a strong stench emanating from the house.
According to the Home Minister, the suspect is believed to be from West Bengal and efforts are underway to apprehend him. While Parmeshwaron declined to disclose specific details, he assured the public that the police are actively working to bring those involved to justice. “We will soon nab those involved in it…an individual — they say is the one (involved), but unless we have more information, we can’t really confirm. He is from West Bengal, they say. As early as possible we will secure (those involved),” he stated.
Bengaluru City Police Commissioner B Dayananda echoed the Home Minister’s statement, confirming that the prime suspect has been identified. However, he emphasized that they are still in the process of apprehending him and are investigating all angles of the case. “So far as Vyalikaval case (Mahalakshmi murder case) is concerned, we are investigating from all the angles. The prime suspect who is likely to have committed this ghastly offence is identified. The only thing is we are yet to apprehend him. As and when the person is caught and the interrogation is done, then we will be able to provide further details,” Dayananda said, as quoted by PTI.
He further revealed that the suspect, while staying in Bengaluru, hails from another state. However, the authorities declined to release further details to avoid compromising the investigation.
Adding to the tragic narrative, it was revealed that Mahalakshmi’s family had migrated from Nepal to Karnataka’s Nelamangala 35 years ago. Mahalakshmi’s mother told PTI, “The owner of the building informed me that there was foul smell coming from the house. When I came and opened the door I saw the body of Mahalakshmi cut into pieces. I saw her for the last time on Raksha-bandhan festival. Since then her phone was switched off.”
Prior to the identification of the prime suspect, the Bengaluru police had been analyzing CCTV footage from the area and suspected that someone close to the victim might be involved. They had also deployed dog squads and forensic experts to assist in the investigation. This case has sent shockwaves through Bengaluru, and the city police are determined to ensure that justice is served for Mahalakshmi and her family.
