Bengaluru family murder case: Two more bodies recovered near Chamundi Hills, toll rises to 5
Mangalore Today News Network
Bengaluru, Nov 9, 2026: Police investigating the gruesome murder of seven members of a family have recovered two more bodies from a forest area near Chamundi Hills in Mysuru district, taking the total number of bodies recovered so far to five.
The latest recoveries are those of Shivakumar, the elder brother-in-law of the prime accused S Indushekhar, and his wife Divya. Their bodies were found in a forest area along the road from Tavarekatte to the Chamundi Hills temple.
Indushekhar (52), a cab driver who also operated a YouTube channel, is accused of murdering his wife Sunitha (40) and six members of her family.
According to police, the two bodies were found about 500 metres apart and were suspected to have been dumped between October 24 and 27.
The bodies were in a moderately decomposed condition and had been wrapped in red bedsheets. Preliminary examination revealed that both victims had been tied up. Shivakumar’s body was reportedly found wearing only an undergarment.
Preliminary post-mortem findings have indicated the possibility of fatal brain haemorrhage caused by head injuries. Further details, including whether the victims were sedated before being bludgeoned with a grindstone, will be established through detailed forensic examinations.
Police said the locations were identified based on information provided by the accused. Family members were also present during the identification process. The bodies will undergo post-mortem examinations in Mysuru before being handed over to relatives.
Around 15 police personnel from the Bengaluru North division, under the supervision of DCP Babasab Nemagoud, conducted the search operation. Forensic experts also visited the spot to collect evidence.
Indushekhar was arrested on November 5 when he was allegedly planning to murder the 11-year-old son of his brother-in-law Shankar and his wife Nalini.
On Saturday, police recovered two bodies, identified as those of Indushekhar’s wife Sunitha and mother-in-law Roopavathi, from a dense forest in Yercaud in Tamil Nadu’s Salem district.
The post-mortem examinations were conducted in Salem, after which the bodies were handed over to relatives for the last rites.
Police said the primary motive, based on the accused’s statement, appeared to be a domestic dispute. However, investigators are also examining whether property-related issues existed between the accused and the victims.
Minor’s testimony likely to be crucial
The 11-year-old son of Shankar and Nalini is believed to have witnessed the murders. Police rescued the boy on November 5, reportedly just before he could become the next target.
The child has provided details of the events to the police, including hearing his mother’s screams and being taken by Indushekhar to places such as Dharmasthala and Sringeri.
He also recalled seeing bags being discarded along the route. When he questioned Indushekhar, he was allegedly told that the bags contained garbage.
Police said a separate team would search the Shiradi Ghat area to locate the remaining two bodies after completing the procedures in Mysuru.
The boy’s testimony is expected to be an important part of the prosecution’s case. Legal experts say the evidence of a minor witness can be relied upon if the court is satisfied that the child has not been tutored and is giving a truthful account.
Along with the child’s testimony, the alleged motive and material evidence collected by investigators are expected to play a significant role in establishing the case. The court will ultimately determine the credibility and evidentiary value of the testimony.