Bengaluru police have arrested three individuals in connection with the death of a 40-year-old man, Mohan Rao, whose body was discovered in a rented house in Manjunath Nagar. The arrests, announced Monday, follow a nearly 12-day investigation sparked by neighbors reporting a foul odor emanating from the property, according to police. The case centers around a complex relationship involving Rao, his live-in partner, and a subsequent alleged conspiracy.
The accused have been identified as Urmila, as well known as Bindu, Vinay, and Dhanush Gowda, Deputy Commissioner of Police (North West) DL Nagesh confirmed. All three are currently in custody as the investigation continues. The circumstances surrounding Rao’s death point to a violent encounter, with investigators reporting he sustained multiple stab wounds and signs of suffocation. The investigation into this Bengaluru murder is ongoing.
A Tangled Web of Relationships
According to police, Mohan Rao and Urmila, known as Bindu, had been living together in the Manjunath Nagar house for approximately two to three months, presenting themselves to their landlord as a couple, though they were not legally married. Both individuals had previously been married but were estranged from their respective spouses. The situation became complicated when Bindu reportedly developed a close relationship with Vinay, a lorry driver, and the two allegedly planned to marry. Investigators believe that Rao’s opposition to this relationship was the central motive behind the crime.
“Bindu developed a close friendship with Vinay, and they decided to get married,” DCP Nagesh stated. “it is learned that Mohan Rao was an obstacle to their marriage and was forcing the lady to stay with him. To teach him a lesson and get him out of the way, these three together committed this crime.”
The Night of the Incident
Police allege that on the night of February 18, the four individuals – Rao, Bindu, Vinay, and Dhanush Gowda – were together at the rented house. They reportedly consumed alcohol before an altercation broke out. Investigators say Vinay stabbed Rao during the argument. Following the stabbing, the three accused allegedly gagged Rao with tape and suffocated him with a plastic cover. Dhanush Gowda, who works at a non-vegetarian hotel, was reportedly brought in to assist with the crime, according to police.
“The crime scene is the same house in Manjunath Nagar where the body was found,” DCP Nagesh said. “On that night, they made him drink, then stabbed him with a knife and suffocated him with a plastic cover over his face.”
Delayed Discovery and Investigation
The discovery of Rao’s body was delayed due to the house being kept locked, and the crime only came to light when neighbors noticed a strong, unpleasant smell coming from the residence approximately 12 days after the incident. The landlord, Nataraj, alerted the authorities, leading to the discovery of the decomposed body and the subsequent investigation.
Mohan Rao was reportedly involved in slight business activities, including pigmy collection, according to investigators. Bindu has claimed to have had minor roles in Kannada films, including “Bhajarangi,” “Police Quarters,” and “Kalabhairava,” but police have stated that these claims are still being verified. Details of the case continue to emerge as the investigation progresses.
Broader Context: Similar Cases
This case occurs amid a backdrop of other recent incidents involving domestic disputes, and violence. Reports of similar cases, such as an acid attack stemming from a suspected infidelity in Chandigarh and a murder in Jhansi involving a man with two wives, highlight the complex and often tragic consequences of relationship conflicts. These incidents underscore the importance of addressing domestic violence and providing support for individuals in vulnerable situations.
Authorities have stated that further interrogation of the accused is underway as they continue to gather evidence and reconstruct the events leading up to Mohan Rao’s death. The Bagalagunte police station is leading the investigation, and updates will be provided as they grow available. The next step in the legal process will likely involve the presentation of evidence and formal charges against the three accused.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, resources are available. You can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit their website at https://www.thehotline.org/ for confidential support and assistance.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and perspectives in the comments below.
