Bengaluru, 28 March

A day after the murder of 32-year-old Gauri Anil Sambekar in Doddakammanahalli came to light, the police are investigating the motive — a marital dispute is suspected – and the psychological state of the accused, her husband Rakesh.

Police said Rakesh, after killing Gauri, an IT professional, reportedly sat beside her body through the night, repeatedly asking her why she argued with him and insisted on returning to Maharashtra.

Bengaluru police have dispatched a team to Maharashtra, where Rakesh is currently undergoing treatment after allegedly attempting suicide.  

Crime scene & confession

Investigators found an untouched meal in the house, indicating that a heated argument had escalated before dinner.

After committing the crime, Rakesh dismembered and packed Gauri’s body into a trolley suitcase and kept it in the bathroom. The next morning, he left for Pune in his car. Around 5pm, he called a downstairs tenant, initially claiming that his wife died by suicide and later admitting that he killed her. He then informed the house owner, who alerted the police.

Police intercepted and detained Rakesh near Shirwal in Maharashtra, while he was on his way to Mumbai. He has been admitted to Pune’s Sassoon Hospital as had allegedly consumed poison.
Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda said that they are waiting for medical clearance and a transit warrant to bring him back to the city.

Meanwhile, Gauri’s family has arrived in Bengaluru, and her post-mortem examination is underway. The police are investigating whether the murder was premeditated or the result of sudden provocation.