Bengaluru, 22 Sept

Bengaluru police have intensified their efforts to solve the brutal murder of 29-year-old Mahalakshmi, whose dismembered body was found stuffed inside a refrigerator in her Vyalikaval residence.

The Central Division Police have formed eight special teams, including Cyber, On-Field, and Encounter units, to track down the suspect. According to the preliminary investigation the early leads received by the police point to a man from a local men's beauty parlour, with whom the victim allegedly had a close relationship. Reports indicate the parlour worker has since gone missing, making him a key suspect.

Mahalakshmi, originally from Nepal and had been working in a mall and had been living in the rented house for five months.

The post-mortem of Mahalakshmi’s body, which has been cut into over 30 pieces, was conducted at Bowring Hospital on Sunday. It is said by the senior police official that forensic experts face a significant challenge in piecing together the cause of death and identifying injuries inflicted before and after death.

A senior police officer speaking to Salar News said, Each body part will undergo a proper radiological examination, including CT scans and X-rays, to assess internal damage. Toxicological and pathological tests will also be performed to determine if the victim had been drugged or poisoned before being murdered. Experts will attempt to reassemble the body to examine the injuries and gather essential evidence for the investigation.

Speaking to Salar News, senior police official said, “The gruesome discovery was made on Saturday afternoon when the landlord, alerted by a foul odour, entered the apartment and found dried blood at the entrance and when the landlord informed the victim's parents and they found that the body was stored in 165 litre fridge. The murder is suspected to have occurred ten days ago.”

The post-mortem report is expected to play a crucial role in determining the sequence of events leading to Mahalakshmi's death and may provide clues about the murder weapon.

The case has drawn comparisons to the infamous Shraddha Walker murder, where the victim was dismembered and stored in a refrigerator by her partner in Delhi. -Salar News