Woman, male friend arrested for murdering 75-year-old lender over ₹20,000 loan in Bengaluru Sou

The accused have been identified as Girija and Mahesh. The victim, Sushilamma, 75, was a resident of Sangabasavanadoddi village.

The accused have been identified as Girija and Mahesh. The victim, Sushilamma, 75, was a resident of Sangabasavanadoddi village. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

The Ramanagara Rural Police of the Bengaluru South district have arrested a 36-year-old woman and her 42-year-old male friend for allegedly murdering a 75-year-old woman over a ₹20,000 loan and dumping her body near a railway track.

The accused have been identified as Girija and Mahesh. The victim, Sushilamma, 75, was a resident of Sangabasavanadoddi village.

According to the police, Sushilamma went missing on June 15 after leaving home to collect ₹20,000 that Girija had borrowed from her. When she failed to return, her family searched for her and lodged a missing person complaint. The police said Girija even joined the search to avoid suspicion.

On June 21, Sushilamma’s decomposed body was found near a railway track on the outskirts of the village. Her family noticed that the gold jewellery she usually wore, weighing about 39 grams, was missing, prompting them to suspect foul play and lodge another complaint.

During the investigation, the police found that Sushilamma had visited Girija’s house to demand repayment of the loan and the pending interest. An argument allegedly broke out, during which Girija strangled the elderly woman to death. She then allegedly called Mahesh, who helped her pack the body in a gunny bag and dump it near the railway track.

The police said the accused also allegedly removed and stole the victim’s gold ornaments. The stolen jewellery has been recovered.

Based on the investigation, the Ramanagara Rural Police arrested both accused and booked them under Section 103 (murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Further investigation is under way.