Bengaluru: A desperate attempt to disguise a murder as an accidental death came undone after an autopsy report exposed multiple injuries on a 65-year-old woman’s body, leading Kadugodi police to arrest her son.The deceased, Bhagyamma, was a resident of Bevinamara Colony in Kannamangala. Her third son, Balaji, 46, who works as a construction labourer, has been arrested.According to police, Balaji had an argument with his mother on the night of Sept 24 over several issues, including her alcohol addiction and a pledged gold chain. In a fit of rage, he repeatedly assaulted her, causing her to collapse and die. Unsure of what to do next, Balaji waited until the following morning and told relatives that his mother had died after falling off the bed.Family members and relatives gathered at their house and began making arrangements for the funeral. However, before the final rites could be completed, Kadugodi police received information about the death from a neighbour who had heard noises coming from Bhagyamma’s house.Police rushed to the spot and raised questions about the circumstances of the death. When officers insisted on a postmortem examination, family members and others present at the scene objected and got into an argument with the cops. Eventually, police took custody of the body and sent it for examination in a hospital. After autopsy, the body was handed over to the family and the final rites were performed.Days later, the autopsy report changed the course of the investigation. The report revealed that Bhagyamma had suffered serious injuries at 12 places on her body, including a severe head injury that caused her death. Police registered a suo motu case of murder on Oct 6, then returned to the locality and questioned neighbours and residents separately. Investigators learnt that a quarrel had taken place at Bhagyamma’s house on Sept 24. Police questioned the family members and detained Balaji Wednesday. During interrogation, he allegedly confessed to the crime.According to police, Balaji told investigators that after his father’s death, his mother developed a drinking habit and often created disturbances at home. He also claimed a man frequently visited their house, prompting neighbours to make derogatory remarks about her, which angered him.Tensions also arose over 32 grams of gold jewellery belonging to Bhagyamma that Balaji had pledged. She repeatedly demanded that he get it back, leading to arguments. On the night of the incident, a dispute over these issues escalated and Balaji fatally assaulted his mother, sources said. Balaji has been taken into police custody.
