NEW DELHI: Karnataka Police are investigating whether the teenage daughter of a man accused of killing seven members of his wife’s family helped him dispose of the bodies, Home Minister Priyank Kharge said on Saturday (Nov 7), as investigators continued searching for six victims whose remains had not been recovered.
The accused, Indushekar alias Shekhar, allegedly took his minor daughter along while transporting the bodies in a car, believing her presence would help him avoid suspicion.
Police are examining whether she knowingly assisted in the crimes or acted under her father’s influence.
Only one body had been recovered, Kharge told reporters in Bengaluru, adding that investigators were withholding further details while verifying the accused’s statements.
Police examine daughter’s alleged involvement
Kharge said preliminary information suggested that Indushekar had influenced his daughter into following his instructions.
Investigators are examining whether her actions amounted to abetment, although her precise role and knowledge of the alleged crimes have not been established.
The teenager has reportedly told investigators that she acted on her father’s instructions.
Police are also investigating the circumstances in which she allegedly accompanied him during early-morning journeys to dispose of the bodies.
Seven victims identified as police search for bodies
The accused, a Bengaluru cab driver, was arrested after police began investigating missing-person complaints lodged on Nov 3.
The seven victims have been identified as his wife Sunitha, her mother Roopavathi, brothers Shivakumar and Shankar, their wives Divya and Nalini, and seven-year-old Puneeth.
Police recovered Puneeth’s body from the Nandi Hills area in Chikkaballapur district. Searches for the remaining six bodies were continuing, according to the latest information cited by Kharge.
Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh has cautioned that the accused’s statements about the killings, disposal locations and methods must be independently verified before they can be treated as established facts.
Vehicle seized, jewellery transactions under scrutiny
Police have seized a Toyota Etios car allegedly used to transport the bodies.
According to investigators cited in the agency report, the vehicle carried a ‘Press’ sticker and contained bedsheets and rose water, which the accused allegedly used to conceal the smell of decomposing bodies.
Investigators are examining claims that the bodies were repeatedly wrapped in adhesive tape before being transported during the early hours.
Police are also probing allegations that Indushekar removed gold ornaments from the victims. Some jewellery was allegedly sold, other items pledged, and the remainder kept in his possession.
These alleged transactions are being examined as investigators assess whether financial considerations played a role in the crimes.
Domestic disputes among possible motives
Kharge said the accused had offered several explanations for his actions, including alleged mistreatment by members of his wife’s family.
“The accused has cited several reasons, including that his wife’s family members did not speak to him properly. He has also made allegations against his wife. We are verifying all these claims,” he said.
Neighbours reportedly told police that the couple frequently quarrelled. Investigators are checking those accounts against other evidence.
The motive remains unconfirmed, with police examining domestic disputes, family relationships and possible financial factors.
Investigation placed under senior officers
The agency report said the investigation had been transferred from Police Inspector Krishna to Assistant Commissioner of Police Prabhavathi, who has been appointed investigating officer.
Additional Commissioner of Police Vamshi Krishna will supervise the investigation, according to the report.
Investigators are working to establish the sequence of deaths, recover the remaining bodies, examine the alleged jewellery transactions and determine whether anyone assisted Indushekar.
Kharge said more time would be needed to establish the facts. - The Statesman/ANN
