In 2024, 2,802 murders in India were linked to love affairs and illicit relationships, according to NCRB data.
One of those motives is now being examined in a Bengaluru double murder case.
On 17 August, a woman called police after finding her husband and four-year-old son dead at their home in Chikkabanavara.
What investigators found next reportedly changed the direction of the case.
A Marriage Under Strain
Harini and Abhinandan had been married since 2021. Police and family accounts cited in media reports indicate that their relationship had been strained, with frequent arguments.
Hindustan Times reported that the couple had been sleeping in separate rooms for around two years.
Police also suspect Harini was in a relationship with Vinay Kumar. Abhinandan had reportedly become suspicious of the relationship and approached police about obtaining his wife's call records around 15 days before his death.
The couple reportedly had another argument on 14 August. Police allege that Harini then sought Vinay's help in killing Abhinandan.
What Happened That Night?
Police suspect the killings took place late on 16 August.
According to reports, the CCTV system at the house had been switched off around 10pm. Vinay allegedly entered the house later that night.
Investigators suspect Abhinandan was attacked and choked. Reports differ on some details of the assault, and the exact sequence remains part of the investigation.
Police also suspect that the four-year-old boy was killed after he woke up and may have witnessed what was happening.
Harini and Vinay have reportedly given conflicting accounts about who killed the child. Police are investigating their individual roles.
The Call That Raised Questions
The deaths came to light on the morning of 17 August.
Harini called the police and reported finding her husband and son unresponsive at home. Police reached the house and began investigating the circumstances of the deaths.
The case soon took a different turn.
Investigators found that the CCTV system had been switched off. Police also found that Harini's phone had been wiped, including call records and messages, according to Times of India. There were reportedly no signs of forced entry.
Police subsequently detained Harini for questioning and began looking for Vinay.
What Is The Police Action?
Police detained Harini for questioning after her husband and four-year-old son were found dead at their home.
Investigators also identified Vinay Kumar, Harini's alleged lover, as a suspect and began looking for him. Early reports said police were hunting for Vinay after tracing his movements.
Police are also examining whether property could have been another possible motive. Times of India reported that investigators were looking into whether Harini and Vinay believed Abhinandan's death could leave her with the family property, including around three acres of land in Kunigal. This remains a police theory and has not been established as fact.
Investigators are still trying to establish the exact sequence of events and the individual roles of Harini and Vinay, particularly in the death of the child.
TL;DR | News At Glance
What happened in Bengaluru?
A man and his four-year-old son were found dead at their home on 17 August.
Who was arrested?
Police arrested the man's wife, Harini, and her alleged lover, Vinay Kumar.
What is the alleged motive?
Police are investigating an alleged relationship, marital conflict and a possible property motive.
What is still unclear?
Police are still investigating the exact sequence of events and the individual roles of Harini and Vinay in the child's death.
