Man arrested for murdering wife over domestic quarrel

 

By Sumesh Rajan | August 11, 2026

Bengaluru, Karnataka, INDIA: A 24-year-old man from Bihar has been arrested for allegedly strangling his wife to death following repeated domestic disputes at their rented home in Kumbalagodu, Bengaluru, police said.

The accused, identified as Dhiraj Kumar, a native of East Champaran district in Bihar, allegedly fled to his hometown after the killing. He was subsequently traced and arrested by a special team of the Kumbalagodu police and brought back to Bengaluru for questioning.

The victim has been identified as Reema Kumari.

According to police, Dhiraj and Reema had been in a relationship before getting married around 10 months ago. The couple reportedly moved from Bihar to Bengaluru without informing Reema's family and had been living together in the city.

In December 2025, they rented a room in a four-storey building at Gerupalya near Kumbalagodu.

Police said frequent disagreements over household responsibilities and other personal issues had strained their relationship. During interrogation, Dhiraj allegedly claimed that Reema spent considerable time making social media reels and that disputes had also arisen over household chores and their marital relationship. Reema had reportedly expressed a desire to return to Bihar.

Investigators said the killing allegedly took place on July 25 following another argument between the couple.

According to the accused's statement to police, Dhiraj returned home and found that food had not been prepared for him, leading to an argument. He further claimed that Reema struck him with a wooden stick during the altercation.

Police said Dhiraj allegedly strangled Reema with her dupatta. He then allegedly wrapped her face in plastic, covered her body with a bedsheet and left it inside the rented room before fleeing Bengaluru for Bihar.

The crime came to light four days later, on July 29, when one of Reema's acquaintances visited the couple's residence at around 6.30 p.m. and noticed a foul smell emanating from the locked room. She alerted the building owner, who opened the door using a spare key.

Reema's decomposed body was found wrapped in a bedsheet near the toilet, following which the police were informed.

Kumbalagodu police registered a case and launched an investigation. When repeated attempts to contact Reema's husband failed, a special team was formed to trace him. Investigators subsequently tracked Dhiraj to his native place in Bihar and arrested him.

Police said the accused allegedly confessed during interrogation and disclosed the circumstances that led to the killing. Investigators have also collected CCTV footage and scientific evidence in connection with the case.

Further investigation is underway.