Bengaluru Woman Murder: Karnataka Home Minister Parameshwara Vows To Nab Culprits Soon

Bengaluru: Karnataka's Home Minister, G Parameshwara, vowed on Monday to swiftly bring to justice those responsible for the horrific murder of a 29-year-old woman in Bengaluru. The victim, Mahalakshmi, was found dismembered into over 50 pieces, with her remains stored in a refrigerator at her flat in Vyalikaval.

Parameshwara, addressing reporters, stated, "Already some information has been collected, which I cannot reveal now, but we will soon nab those involved in it." He added, “...an individual -- they say is the one (involved), but unless we have more information, we can't really confirm. He is from West Bengal, they say. As early as possible we will secure (those involved).”

The gruesome discovery was made by Mahalakshmi's mother and elder sister when they visited her flat on Saturday and found her maggot-infested body. When asked about reports suggesting a suspect had been detained, the Home Minister clarified, "Police bring in suspects and inquire them. If somebody confesses (to the crime), then they will be taken into custody." The estranged husband of the deceased has expressed suspicion towards a man known to Mahalakshmi.

When questioned about the safety of women in Bengaluru, Parameshwara emphasized that the government is taking various measures to ensure safety. "In fact, the Nirbhaya programme is implemented, and we are doing several things... definitely we are very careful about it and we take a lot of precautions. We have installed CCTVs at the place where a lot of women visit. We have already alerted all the police stations to be extra careful about women’s safety....we need to put more effort on this, and we will do it," he said.

Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda also provided an update, confirming that the suspect is an outsider. "So far as Vyalikaval case (Mahalakshmi murder case) is concerned, we are investigating from all the angles. The prime suspect who is likely to have committed this ghastly offence is identified. The only thing is we are yet to apprehend him. As and when the person is caught and the interrogation is done, then we will be able to provide further details," he told the media.

Several investigation teams have been deployed across different parts of the country to locate the culprits, according to police sources. The victim’s family is demanding swift justice.

Mahalakshmi's mother, Meena Rana, recalled, “The owner of the building informed me that there was foul smell coming from the house. When I came and opened the door, I saw the body of Mahalakshmi cut into pieces. I saw her for the last time on Rakshabandhan festival. Since then, her phone was switched off."

Her elder sister added, “Who cuts a woman into pieces like this? I saw her a year ago. Now I saw her in pieces.”

(WIth Agency Inputs)