Bengaluru lake suitcase murder: Neighbour held for killing 61-year-old woman

Police have arrested Jayamma's neighbour in Bengaluru for allegedly strangling her and dumping her body in Ramohalli Lake. The case points to a robbery-led killing, with investigators now relying on CCTV and forensic evidence.

In Short

• Jayamma had gone missing after leaving home on July 15 afternoon
• Locals alerted police after spotting a suitcase floating in Ramohalli Lake
• Investigators suspected robbery when her mangalsutra, ring and earrings were missing

A 21-year-old man has been arrested in Bengaluru in connection with the murder of a 61-year-old woman whose body was found stuffed inside a suitcase in Ramohalli Lake, police said on Wednesday.

The accused, identified as Gagan R, is a resident of Challaghatta and is said to be the victim's neighbour. Police said the woman, Jayamma, was strangled to death and her gold jewellery was taken.

The case came to light a day after locals spotted a suitcase floating in the lake and alerted the police. According to police, the body was in an advanced state of decomposition and showed signs that parts of it had been scavenged by animals.

Police said Jayamma had been reported missing by her son on July 16. In his complaint, he said his mother had left home at around 3.35 pm on July 15 and did not return. The family searched for her at the homes of relatives and friends, as well as in nearby areas, but could not trace her. Her mobile phone was also switched off, police said.

Investigators found that Jayamma's mangalsutra, finger ring and earrings were missing, leading to suspicion that she may have been killed for her jewellery. A special investigation team was then formed to trace those responsible, police said.

"During the investigation, the team arrested the accused, who during interrogation, admitted that he strangled Jayamma to death with the intention of robbing her gold jewellery. After killing her, he removed her gold chain and earrings, placed the body inside a red suitcase kept at his house, and later transported the suitcase on a two-wheeler before dumping it into the lake," a senior police officer said.

Police said they are collecting scientific evidence and CCTV footage linked to the case, and further investigation is underway. The arrest follows the recovery of Jayamma's body from the lake after she had gone missing on July 15.

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