Man accused of killing wife found dead a week later

 

By Sumesh Rajan | September 24, 2026

Bengaluru, Karnataka, INDIA: A man accused of killing his wife inside a lodge in Doddaballapura earlier this month has been found dead near a lake in Gauribidanur taluk, days after he allegedly fled the lodge following the killing.

The deceased, identified as Anand, was wanted in connection with the suspected murder of his wife, Vidya, whose body was found inside a lodge room in Doddaballapura on September 16.

According to police, Anand and Vidya, both from Gauribidanur taluk, had been married for about four years and had a young son.

Vidya found dead in lodge

Police said the couple had checked into a lodge in Doddaballapura on September 15. Vidya was subsequently found dead inside their room after Anand allegedly left the premises alone.

Investigators suspect that Vidya was strangled with the lanyard attached to an identity card. Her body was sent for a post-mortem examination, and Doddaballapura Town Police registered a murder case and launched a search for Anand.

Police also examined CCTV footage from the lodge as part of the investigation.

According to the preliminary investigation, Anand allegedly left the lodge after the incident and took Vidya's mobile phone with him.

Couple had marital disputes

Police said the couple had been experiencing marital problems and had been living separately before the incident.

Vidya had reportedly moved away from Anand following frequent disputes between the couple. Anand had earlier approached a women's police station after she left, following which police traced Vidya and counselled the couple.

Investigators were told that Anand later approached Vidya and assured her that he would not quarrel with her again. The two subsequently met and went to the lodge, where police allege Vidya was killed.

Police have also said a POCSO case had previously been registered against Anand after it emerged that Vidya was allegedly a minor when the couple married.

Anand found dead in Gauribidanur

After Vidya's death came to light, Anand remained untraceable.

His decomposed body was later discovered near a lake at Madugere village in Gauribidanur taluk on September 22.

Police suspect that Anand died by suicide. Reports differ on whether his body was recovered from the lake or found hanging from a tree near the lake, and authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.

Police recovered mobile phones belonging to both Anand and Vidya from Anand's possession. An empty liquor bottle was also reportedly found near the spot.

A separate case has been registered by Gauribidanur Rural Police in connection with Anand's death.

The couple's young son is reportedly staying with Vidya's parents.

Police are continuing their investigation into Vidya's killing as well as the circumstances surrounding Anand's death.