Shivamogga Police have cracked the murder of an elderly couple in Bhadravati within 24 hours of the crime and arrested their relative, an ayurvedic doctor, in connection with the case. As reported by The Hindu, investigators believe the accused used a high dosage of anesthesia under the pretext of treating the couple’s varicose veins, leading to their deaths.
The victims have been identified as Chandrappa, 75, a retired employee of VISL, and his wife Jayamma, 65. They were found dead inside their residence at Bhootanagudi in Bhadravati on January 20. The couple is survived by three sons, who live separately.
Following the discovery, police registered a case at the Old Town Police Station, and an investigation was launched immediately to determine how the deaths occurred and whether it was a targeted killing.
On January 21, Shivamogga Superintendent of Police B. Nikhil briefed media persons and named the accused as Dr. G. P. Mallesh, 44. According to the police, Mallesh is Chandrappa’s nephew.
The preliminary investigation suggested that the murders were driven by financial gain. Police said the accused allegedly targeted his uncle and aunt for their valuables, indicating the crime was planned rather than impulsive.
Mallesh had previously worked in two hospitals in Shivamogga and was reportedly deep in debt. Investigators said he had approached Chandrappa seeking money, but the request was turned down.
Police believe that refusal became the turning point. After being denied financial help, the accused allegedly planned the murder, with the intention of stealing the couple’s gold jewelry and other valuables.
Police said the accused visited the couple in the afternoon of January 19. During the visit, he enquired about their health and offered to treat their varicose veins, creating an opportunity to administer a drug without raising suspicion.
The SP stated that the accused allegedly administered propofol, a general anesthetic, in unusually high doses. “Normally, the anesthesia is administered in a dosage of 1 mg or 2 mg in case of surgery. However, the accused administered 50 mg each to the couple, leading to their death,” SP Nikhil said, as quoted by The Hindu.
After the couple died, police said Mallesh left the residence with their gold jewelry.
Investigators said the crime scene itself provided an early clue. There was no evidence of forced entry into the house, suggesting the victims likely knew the person who entered and interacted with them.
Based on these findings, police took the accused into custody on January 20.
SP Nikhil congratulated the investigation team for cracking the case quickly. The team was led by Prakash Rathod, Deputy SP of Bhadravati, and included Circle Inspector Nagamma, Sub-Inspector Sunil B., along with other officials who worked on the case.
(Rh/ARC)