Karnataka Family Murders: Police Probe Daughter's Alleged Role as Accused Took Her Along to Dispose of Bodies

Home Minister Priyank Kharge said on Saturday that the investigation was progressing, but police were withholding further details as several aspects of the case remained under examination.

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Kharge said only one of the seven bodies had been recovered so far.

The accused, identified in the report as Indushekar, has reportedly cited several reasons for the killings, including alleged mistreatment by his wife's family. He has also made accusations against his wife, Divya. Kharge said investigators were verifying all these claims.

The Home Minister added that there was reportedly an age difference of around 13 to 14 years between the accused and his wife. Neighbours had told police that the couple frequently quarrelled and shouted at each other, though these accounts were also being verified.

Daughter's alleged involvement under investigation

Police are examining whether the accused's minor daughter had any role in the crimes. According to preliminary information cited by the Home Minister, the accused allegedly manipulated his daughter into believing him and influenced her actions.

Investigators have reportedly learnt that he took her along while transporting the bodies, believing her presence would make their movements appear less suspicious. The bodies were allegedly moved in the early hours of the morning.

The daughter has reportedly told police that she merely followed her father's instructions. Investigators are yet to establish the extent of her knowledge or involvement.

The probe has also uncovered allegations that the accused used his daughter to extort money from others by threatening to file complaints under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

Police are examining an earlier dispute involving the accused and his daughter over vehicle parking. The quarrel allegedly led to a complaint that investigators suspect was false, following which police had reportedly reprimanded them.

The daughter is also said to have recorded confrontations on her mobile phone whenever disputes occurred.

Bodies wrapped and jewellery allegedly taken

Investigators have reportedly found that the accused wrapped the bodies in several layers of adhesive tape — allegedly around 10 times — before transporting them for disposal.

Police also suspect that he removed gold ornaments from the victims. Some of the jewellery was allegedly sold, some pledged and the remaining pieces retained by him.

During questioning, the accused reportedly expressed no remorse for his actions.

Car used to transport bodies seized

Police have seized a Toyota Etios bearing registration number KA 02 AF 1488, which was allegedly used to transport the bodies. The vehicle reportedly had a 'Press' sticker.

Investigators are said to have recovered rose water from the car, which the accused allegedly used to mask the smell of decomposing bodies. Bedsheets and other materials believed to have been used during transportation were also found inside the vehicle.

The car reportedly had pending traffic fines of Rs 14,900 for violations including driving without a seat belt, jumping traffic signals and illegal parking. However, no traffic violations were recorded against it between October 16 and October 31.

Police reconstruct alleged sequence of killings

According to the investigation details cited in the report, the alleged killings took place over several dates in October and November.

October 16: The accused allegedly murdered Sunitha.

October 18: He allegedly killed his mother-in-law, Roopavathi.

October 19: The bodies were reportedly transported.

October 24: He allegedly murdered his brother-in-law, Shivakumar.

October 25: His wife, Divya, and son, Puneeth, were allegedly killed.

October 27: The bodies were reportedly transported.

November 1: He allegedly murdered another brother-in-law, Shankar, and Shankar's wife, Nalini.

November 2: The bodies were allegedly disposed of in areas around Shiradi Ghat and Nandi Hills.

Family members subsequently filed missing-person complaints on November 3.

Senior officer takes charge of investigation

In view of the seriousness of the case, the investigation has been transferred from Police Inspector Krishna to Assistant Commissioner of Police Prabhavathi, who has been appointed as the Investigating Officer.

Additional Commissioner of Police Vamshi Krishna will supervise the probe.

Police are continuing to examine the alleged sequence of killings, the disposal of the bodies, possible financial motives and the extent of the minor daughter's involvement.