Blackmail for private videos leads woman to plan to murder sister-in-law in Chickballapur

The Chickballapur police have arrested a 25-year-old woman and her relative for allegedly murdering her sister-in-law and staging the crime as a robbery to recover valuables and extort money.

The accused, identified as Bhavya, allegedly conspired with her relative Lohith Kumar of Hosakote to kill her sister-in-law Bhagyamma (25).

According to the police, Lohith Kumar blackmailed Bhavya using private videos of her with a friend and had already extorted nearly ₹600 from her. When he allegedly continued to demand more money, Bhavya decided to end her sister-in-law’s life and steal her jewellery.

Investigators said Bhavya took advantage of a situation where male family members went on a religious trip to Tamil Nadu. As per the plan, she informed Lohith Kumar about the occasion and allegedly left the main door open to allow him to enter the house at night.

The duo allegedly suffocated Bhagyamma to death with a pillow before removing her gold chain and a pair of earrings. To mislead investigators, they allegedly cut the victim’s throat and staged the scene to resemble a robbery-murder. Police said the accused also tied the victim’s hands and feet and gagged her mouth to strengthen the fake story.

During the course of the investigation, a forensic examination and analysis of the crime scene determined that the victim died as a result of asphyxiation, not as a result of a neck injury. Superintendent of Police Kushal Chowksey of Chickballapur, who oversaw the investigation, said the absence of any signs of forced entry raised suspicions.

The police also found discrepancies in Bhavya’s statements while she was undergoing treatment at the hospital. Her changing versions of the incident prompted investigators to question her further. Long interrogations and detailed investigations eventually led to her alleged confession, after which both Bhavya and Lohith Kumar were arrested.

The case came to light after the victim’s mother filed a complaint that unknown persons murdered her daughter at her residence in Chickballapur on the night of Thursday to Friday. The pair have been remanded in custody pending further enquiries.

Published – 31 May 2026 23:07 IST