Married Man Allegedly Killed Partner After She Survived Joint Suicide Attempt

A 22-year-old woman was allegedly strangled to death by her partner in Bengaluru's Byadarahalli area after a suspected suicide pact went wrong, police said. The accused, identified as Chandrashekar alias Chandan, has been arrested in connection with the case.

The victim, Bhavani, was found dead in her rented accommodation at Tulasinagar in Thigalarapalya, while Chandrashekar was discovered unconscious in the same room after allegedly consuming poison. Bhavani's father Srinivas approached the Byadarahalli police and alleged that his daughter was murdered.

According to police, the incident came to light after Bhavani's family became concerned when repeated attempts to contact her over the phone went unanswered. Their suspicions grew after relatives came across an Instagram post uploaded by Chandrashekar, in which he shared a photograph of himself with Bhavani and referred to it as their first wedding anniversary.

After being alerted by the family, the owner of the apartment visited the room and found Bhavani dead and Chandrashekar in distress. Police were informed immediately, and the accused was shifted to a hospital for treatment.

Police said Bhavani and Chandrashekar met while working at a mobile phone showroom and had been in a relationship for several years. However, police said Chandrashekar was already married and had a six-year-old child. Despite this, he had allegedly entered into a secret marriage with Bhavani around a year ago.

Police said Bhavani's family was unaware of the relationship and had recently begun arrangements for her marriage to another man. An engagement ceremony had reportedly been scheduled for next week.

According to preliminary investigations, Bhavani informed Chandrashekar about her family's plans, leading to an argument between the couple at her rented room on Sunday. It was at that point that the couple allegedly consumed poison together.

During questioning, Chandrashekar allegedly told investigators that the two had decided to end their lives together after Bhavani expressed fears that her family would never accept their relationship. Police suspect the pair consumed poison as part of the plan. However, Bhavani survived after vomiting, while Chandrashekar allegedly went on to strangle her before consuming more poison himself.

Bhavani's body was sent for post-mortem examination, while Chandrashekar was taken into custody after recovering from the poisoning.

A case has been registered at the Byadarahalli Police Station, and further investigation is underway.