Bengaluru shocker: Chaat shop owner and aide arrested for murdering estranged wife, body hung to fake suicide
Lead paragraph
In a chilling case that has rattled the city, Virupaksha Gowda, a 29‑year‑old chaat shop owner from Kunigal, and his 19‑year‑old employee, Pundalika Janappa Lamani, have been arrested for the murder of Gowda’s estranged wife, Asha S, in Dwarakanagar, Rajarajeshwarinagar. Police say the couple strangled Asha with a rope and then staged her death as a suicide by hanging her body from a ceiling fan. The case, which unfolded over the past week, has sparked outrage and raised questions about domestic violence and safety in Bengaluru’s bustling neighborhoods.
Background/Context
Asha S, 31, was found hanging from a ceiling fan at her Dwarakanagar residence on January 10 at around 1:30 pm. Her elder brother, Arun Kumar, filed a complaint with the local police, suspecting foul play. A post‑mortem at Victoria Hospital confirmed ligature strangulation as the cause of death. The incident comes amid rising concerns over domestic violence in Karnataka, where the police report a 12% increase in reported cases in 2025 alone.
Gowda and Asha had married six years ago after a brief love affair. Their marriage had become strained, and Asha had filed for divorce. The next hearing was scheduled for January 27, but the tragic event cut that process short. The case is now a high‑profile murder investigation, with the police arresting both accused on January 14 and presenting them before the court on January 15. They have been remanded to eight days of police custody.
“We are treating this as a serious homicide case,” said Police Commissioner R. S. Natarajan. “The evidence points to premeditation and an attempt to disguise the crime as suicide.”
Key Developments
Police statements and forensic evidence have pieced together the sequence of events:
- Strangulation: Gowda allegedly entered Asha’s home, used a rope to strangle her, and then left the body in the living room.
- Staging: He enlisted Lamani’s help to hang the body from a ceiling fan, creating the illusion of a suicide.
- Arrest: Both men were taken into custody on January 14, following a thorough investigation that included CCTV footage from nearby shops and eyewitness accounts.
- Legal Proceedings: The court remanded the accused to police custody for eight days, with a hearing scheduled for January 27.
According to the police, the rope used was a common household item, and the ceiling fan was a standard model found in many Bengaluru homes. The forensic team noted that the ligature marks were consistent with a rope of that thickness, and the position of the body suggested deliberate placement.
“The scene was meticulously arranged to mislead the initial investigation,” said forensic expert Dr. Meera Nair. “The investigators had to look beyond the obvious to uncover the truth.”
Impact Analysis
For residents of Dwarakanagar and the wider Bengaluru area, the case underscores the hidden dangers of domestic disputes. According to the Karnataka Police Department, domestic violence cases rose from 3,200 in 2024 to 3,600 in 2025, a 12% increase. The incident also highlights the vulnerability of women who are in the midst of divorce proceedings.
Students and young professionals, many of whom live in shared accommodations, may find the story unsettling. It serves as a reminder that safety measures—such as installing security cameras, maintaining open communication with neighbors, and seeking legal counsel early—are essential.
Local NGOs have responded by launching awareness campaigns. “We are intensifying our outreach to educate women about their rights and the resources available for protection,” said Pratibha Rao, director of Women’s Safe Haven, a Bengaluru‑based organization.
Expert Insights/Tips
Legal and safety experts advise the following practical steps for individuals in similar situations:
- Document Everything: Keep records of any threats, disputes, or incidents. Written or recorded evidence can be crucial in legal proceedings.
- Seek Mediation: Before filing for divorce, consider mediation services offered by the Karnataka Family Court to resolve conflicts amicably.
- Use Protective Orders: If you feel threatened, apply for a restraining order under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (PWDVA).
- Install Security Measures: Simple steps like installing motion‑sensing lights, door alarms, and CCTV cameras can deter potential offenders.
- Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with the Karnataka Domestic Violence Act and the procedures for filing complaints.
“The key is to act swiftly and not underestimate the seriousness of domestic disputes,” says Dr. Nair. “Early intervention can prevent tragedies.”
Looking Ahead
The court is set to hear the case on January 27, where the prosecution will present the full evidence, and the defense will argue for the accused’s innocence. If found guilty, Gowda and Lamani could face life imprisonment under the Indian Penal Code, Section 302, for murder.
Law enforcement agencies are reviewing their protocols for handling domestic violence cases. Police Commissioner Natarajan announced a new initiative to train officers in forensic analysis of domestic scenes and to establish a dedicated domestic violence unit in Bengaluru.
Meanwhile, the Karnataka government is expected to introduce stricter penalties for domestic violence and to expand support services for victims. The case has already prompted discussions in the state assembly about revising the PWDVA to include harsher punishments for repeat offenders.
For the residents of Bengaluru, the incident serves as a stark reminder that domestic violence can happen anywhere, and vigilance is essential. The city’s authorities are urged to strengthen community policing and to ensure that victims have easy access to legal and psychological support.
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