A 21-year-old man was arrested within 24 hours for allegedly murdering his 61-year-old neighbour, stuffing her body into a suitcase, and dumping it in a lake near Ramasandra in southwest Bengaluru. The police said the accused allegedly killed the woman to rob her gold jewellery and raise money to repay debts incurred due to online gaming.

The accused has been identified as Gagan Rajegowda, 21, a resident of Yellappa Layout in Challaghatta, Kengeri, and a native of Ganganahalli village in Mandya district. The victim was identified as Jayamma Boregowda, 61, who had been reported missing earlier by her family.

According to the police, at around 12.33 p.m. on Tuesday, a Hoysala patrol team responded to information about a red suitcase floating in Thimmappa Lake near Ramasandra (Ramohalli). When officers opened the suitcase, they found the body of an unidentified elderly woman. A murder case was immediately registered, and a special investigation team was formed.

Investigators later established the victim’s identity as Jayamma, whose disappearance had already been reported at Kumbalagodu Police Station.

During the investigation, the police relied on CCTV footage and technical evidence, which revealed that Jayamma had visited Gagan’s house on July 15 and had used his mobile phone to call one of her relatives. This led investigators to the accused.

The police said Gagan allegedly confessed that he strangled Jayamma, stole her 30-gram gold chain, earrings, and finger ring, placed her body inside a red suitcase, transported it on a two-wheeler, and dumped it in the lake in an attempt to destroy evidence.

According to the police, the accused had allegedly planned the robbery after accumulating debts due to his online gaming addiction. The exact extent of his financial liabilities is still under investigation.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southwest) Anita Haddannavar said scientific evidence and CCTV footage played a crucial role in solving the case.

Published - July 22, 2026 07:10 pm IST