The Sira Rural Police in Tumakuru district on Tuesday arrested a 30-year-old farmer for allegedly murdering his 86-year-old distant relative to rob her gold chain while she was alone at her house in Doddabanagere village on October 31.
Based on the complaint filed by the son of the deceased, Veeranna, a former defence personnel, the police tracked down the accused, identified as Sridhar, and allegedly recovered 53 g of gold chain and two mobile phones worth ₹6 lakh from him.
According to the police, the accused Sridhar was addicted to alcohol, gambling and prostitution, and needed money for his vices. He had also borrowed money and was desperate to repay the loan. Unable to arrange the money, he decided to kill Puttiramma, who was staying alone, they said.
As per the plan, he visited her house and while she was and busy in the kitchen, Sridhar allegedly strangulated her and escaped after removing her gold chain from her neck.
The accused later allegedly pawned the gold chain at a private bank in Bagalagunte for ₹2.01 lakh, purchased new clothes and mobile phone and spent the money on prostitution. The probe revealed that the accused is a habitual offender involved in theft, extortion and cheating cases earlier .
Sridhar has been booked for murder and remanded to judicial custody, while further investigations are on.
Published – November 11, 2025 10:58 pm IST
