By News Karnataka
Bengaluru– A 42-year-old civil engineer from Suddaguntepalya, identified as Bhaskar, was found dead in his sleep after a domestic conflict with his wife, Shruthi (33), on the night of June 27. The incident occurred at their Bhavani Nagar residence in south Bengaluru.
According to police, Bhaskar returned home intoxicated around midnight to collect his SUV. He had reportedly been living separately for two months, staying with a domestic worker with whom he was believed to be having an affair. Upon seeing his condition, Shruthi urged him to stay the night, fearing he was in no state to drive. However, a heated argument ensued.
Shruthi told police that Bhaskar became aggressive, allegedly assaulting her and threatening to evict her and their two daughters. In an attempt to defend herself and her children, she struck him with a wooden stick commonly used to make ragi mudde.
After the confrontation, Shruthi bathed Bhaskar and helped him lie down, assuming he had passed out. But the next morning, when the children attempted to wake him, he was found unresponsive. Initially, she told authorities he had slipped in the bathroom, but a postmortem revealed blunt-force trauma to the ribs, leading to internal injuries and death from shock.
Upon further questioning, Shruthi admitted to hitting him but claimed it was in self-defence after enduring years of abuse and neglect. Bhaskar had reportedly given her just ₹5,000 per month, despite earning ₹1.5 lakh in rental income, and had a history of alcoholism and extramarital affairs.
Police have booked Shruthi for murder, but are considering the context of domestic violence. The couple’s daughters are now in the custody of their maternal grandmother, and authorities have suggested that the property income be used for their welfare and education.