Secret marriage, poison pact, murder? Bengaluru woman found dead, lover arrested

A 22-year-old woman was found dead in a Bengaluru rented house, and her alleged lover was arrested after surviving suspected poisoning. Investigators are examining whether it was a failed suicide pact or a murder staged as suicide.

In Short

• Bhavani's family grew suspicious after a photograph appeared on her Instagram story
• Her father alerted the landlord when repeated calls to Bhavani went unanswered
• Police said the couple had allegedly married secretly without informing families

A 22-year-old woman was found dead in a rented house in Bengaluru, while her alleged lover was discovered unconscious after consuming poison in a case that police suspect may have been staged as a suicide attempt. The woman, Bhavani S, a BSc graduate, worked at a mobile phone showroom and lived in a rented accommodation in western Bengaluru. Police have arrested Chandan alias Chandrashekhar, who survived after being hospitalised.

According to investigators, Bhavani and Chandrashekhar had been in a relationship for several years and had allegedly entered into a secret marriage about a year ago without informing their families. Police said Chandrashekhar was already married and has a six-year-old child from his first marriage.

The case came to light on June 13 after Bhavani's family noticed a photograph of her and Chandrashekhar posted on her Instagram story. The post, allegedly uploaded by Chandrashekhar to mark their first wedding anniversary, raised alarm among relatives.

When repeated calls to Bhavani went unanswered, her father contacted the landlord and asked them to check on her. The landlord and neighbours found the house locked and, after gaining entry, discovered Bhavani dead inside. Chandrashekhar was found unconscious and was rushed to hospital.

In his complaint, Bhavani's father said the family had recently begun making arrangements for her marriage and was planning her engagement next week. Investigators believe Bhavani may have informed Chandrashekhar about the proposal, leading to a confrontation.

Based on preliminary findings, police suspect Chandrashekhar initially convinced Bhavani to die by suicide with him and that both consumed poison. However, investigators believe that when Bhavani survived after vomiting, he allegedly strangled her before consuming more poison himself.

Police are also examining whether the accused attempted to portray the death as a suicide by poisoning. Investigators said the Instagram story was allegedly uploaded from Bhavani's account shortly before the incident came to light.

A strong smell of poison was reportedly detected inside the room. Bhavani's body has been sent for post-mortem examination, while Chandrashekhar remains in police custody following treatment.

A murder case has been registered, and further investigation is underway. Police are awaiting forensic and medical reports to establish the exact sequence of events and determine whether the case involved a suicide pact that turned into murder or a premeditated killing.

Neighbours told police that the couple had been living together in the house for nearly a year and had introduced themselves as husband and wife. Residents said they were unaware of any major disputes between the two.

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