Karnataka man’s ‘sickness’ reveals murder plot of wife and internet lover, both arrested: report

A 36-year-old woman from Karkala Taluk in Karnataka and her alleged lover, whom she met on social media, have been arrested in connection with the murder of the woman’s husband.

The duo was charged under Art. 61 section 1 letter a), art. 103 and art. 3 section 5 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) Act.

According to India timesAccused Prathima and Dileep Hegde (28) were arrested on Friday after investigation revealed that the duo allegedly poisoned and strangled 44-year-old Balakrishna in the early morning hours of October 20.

Balakrishna had been suffering from illness for weeks and was undergoing treatment in various hospitals in Karkala, Manipal, MangaluruAND Bengaluru– added the report. However, he did not respond to treatment and returned home on the night of October 19. His father filed a complaint stating that Balakrishna was brought home under the care of his wife and children.

According to reports, around 3:30 a.m. on October 20, Balakrishna’s father heard a noise and found Balakrishna unresponsive. A doctor at a government hospital later pronounced him dead.

Initially, Prathima claimed that her husband died suddenly due to illness. However, suspicions arose due to the suddenness of his death and an unnatural death case (UDR) case was registered at the Ajekar police station.

Results of the investigation

Investigation revealed Prathima’s alleged relationship with Hegde, which police said was a possible motive for the crime. Fearing that Balakrishna would interfere in their relationship, the couple allegedly conspired to kill him.

Police reports indicate that Hegde supplied Prathima with poison, which she mixed in her husband’s food. Later, on October 20, around 1.30 am, she invited Hegde to her house where she allegedly strangled Balakrishna with a sheet, the report added.

Following this report, Ajekar police arrested Prathima from Marne village in Ajekar and Hegde from Hirgana village in Karkala.

The duo was charged under Art. 61 section 1 letter a), art. 103 and art. 3 section 5 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) Act.

According to reports, Prathima owned a beauty salon and was active on social media, often posting videos and videos that often depicted a happy life.