Bengaluru:In one of the most shocking mass murders in recent times, Bengaluru City has been shaken by the brutal killing of seven members of a single family. A cab driver, enraged over his wife’s ties with her parental family, allegedly murdered his wife and six of her relatives one by one with a grinding stone and dumped their bodies at isolated locations across the state. Said police,
The accused has been identified as Indu Shekhar (45), a cab driver residing at 59th Cross near Bhashyam Circle, Rajajinagar, and also reportedly running a newspaper called ‘Thana Varadhi’.
The deceased have been identified as Indushekhar’s wife, Sunita (40); his mother-in-law, Roopavathi (65); his two brothers-in-law Shivakumar (30) and Shankar (44); their wives Divya (30) and Nalini (29), and nephew Shivakumar’s son, Puneeth (7). The murders were reportedly carried out on different occasions after inviting family members to his house on separate days. The police are verifying these claims.
Police Said “He killed his wife Sunitha, mother-in-law Rupavathi, brothers-in-law Shivakumar and Shankar, their wives Divya and Nalini, and 7-year-old Puneeth. After murder, he confessed during interrogation that he took bodies one by one in his car and dumped them on outskirts of city at Nandi Hills, Charmadi Ghat, and other places. accused committed the massacre over a gap of around 15-20 days, in a pre-planned manner. Indu Shekhar had married Sunitha from Srirampura about 20 years ago. The couple was living near Bhashyam Circle. Sunitha frequently visited her parental home in Srirampura and her family members also visited them. Indu Shekhar did not like this and had imposed restrictions on her visiting her maternal home, but she did not cut ties.”
Frequent quarrels erupted between the couple over the same issue. Since her mother and brothers supported Sunitha, his anger increased. Even after several compromise panchayats, the dispute did not end. Believing his wife’s family was an obstacle to his life, he hatched a conspiracy to eliminate them, police said.
Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh, Speaking to Media,”Indu Shekhar first killed his wife Sunitha by hitting her on the head with a rubbu gundi (masala grinding stone) kept at home. He then transported her body in his car and dumped it at Nandi Hills. He switched off her mobile and told neighbours and relatives that she had gone on a trip with her friends, to avoid suspicion.Later, on the pretext of a liquor party party, he called his brothers-in-law Shivakumar and Shankar to his house. After making them drunk, he hit them with the same rubbu gundi and killed them. Their bodies were taken and thrown at Charmadi Ghat.”
Subsequently, he called Nalini (Shankar’s wife) and Divya (Shivakumar’s wife) home on the pretext of lunch, hit them too with the grinding stone, tied the bodies in sacks, put them in his car and dumped them at the foothills of Nandi Hills.Finally, he called his mother-in-law Rupavathi and 7-year-old Puneeth and murdered them in the same manner and dumped their bodies at Nandi Hills foothills and lived as if he knew nothing.After each murder, he washed blood stains at home and cleaned the rubbu gundi using chemicals to destroy evidence. The car used to transport bodies and the grinding stone have been seized.
Further Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh, Said, “The case came to light on November 3, when Nalini’s mother filed a missing complaint at Srirampura police station regarding her daughter’s mysterious disappearance. Police registered a case and investigated from various angles.
During investigation, suspicion fell on cab driver Indu Shekhar. When police called him and asked about Nalini’s disappearance, he gave contradictory and confusing statements and even failed to appear for questioning despite notices. Suspecting foul play, police examined mobile tower dump data and traced the location of Nalini’s mobile. The location showed accused Indu Shekhar’s house address near Bhashyam Circle. Police immediately rushed to the spot.”
He was taken into custody near Halasuru Gate. Even during interrogation, he continued to give confusing statements. When police searched his house, they found clues related to murder. Upon intensive interrogation in police style, he finally confessed that he had killed seven people. Even police were shocked for a moment hearing his confession.Crucially, after killing seven including wife, he had kept their mobiles with him, which helped police easily trap him.The investigation revealed that the truth emerged after questioning Indu Shekhar’s minor daughter and Yatin, a boy who survived and was found with the accused and rescued. Preliminary information suggests Indu Shekhar had allegedly planned to kill the boy as well. Their statements reportedly revealed crucial details about the crime, confirming seven murders.
Based on the location where murders took place, a murder case was registered at Rajajinagar Police Station. Investigation is being conducted under supervision of an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP). Police are examining mobile phone records, tower dump data and witness statements,As soon as case came to light, police started search for bodies. After 4 hours of search at Nandi Hills foothills on Thursday, body of boy Puneeth was found. Search for remaining six bodies continues at Nandi Hills, Charmadi Ghat, Chamundi Hills, Tamil Nadu and other places as per his confession. Police have contacted respective district SPs to verify locations.
Meanwhile, suspicion has grown over possible involvement of Indu Shekhar’s minor daughter, who is studying in PUC, aged 16-17 years. While accused killed seven family members, he spared his daughter.
Police are examining why she remained silent despite murders allegedly taking place over 15-20 days. She was also reportedly seen moving around near house during last four days. Investigators are trying to establish whether she assisted her father in executing murders or whether two had jointly planned crime. There are suspicions that daughter may have helped bring individual family members to house. Her role is currently being questioned.In view of seriousness, West Division Joint Commissioner Vamshikrishna and North Division DCP Nemagowda visited Rajajinagar police station, camped there and are monitoring investigation. A special team comprising three ACPs has been formed under DCP’s supervision.
Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh said only one body recovered so far, remaining six yet to be found. Special teams formed and dispatched to suspected locations. Missing persons complaint was registered at Srirampura on Nov 3, during investigation accused confessed. According to Commissioner, accused previously worked as cab driver and had also faced a chain-snatching case at Madanayakanahalli police station.
Home Minister Reacts:Home Minister Priyank Kharge reacting to horrific murder said, “According to preliminary police investigation, it is not accidental but pre-planned act by accused Indu Shekhar. He hatched conspiracy against relatives. Exact reasons not clear. But preliminary probe reveals accused’s mental condition not proper. He brainwashed his daughter and made her join act. Property dispute or mental illness could be reason. This is unique case where bodies have been disposed in various districts.”
Search operation continues and more details are expected in next couple of days. The incident has created fear and shock among residents of Rajajinagar area, who have demanded justice for victims’ families.
