News Flash Daily
23 February 
Just before the funeral, missing gold ornaments expose chilling murder of 64-year-old woman living alone in Nyamathi taluk; police arrest MSc graduate accused
Davanagere: What was initially believed to be a natural death due to a heart attack has now turned into a cold-blooded murder, uncovered just moments before the funeral. A 64-year-old elderly woman, living alone in her native village, was allegedly strangled to death for her gold ornaments in a shocking crime that has rattled residents of rural Davanagere.
The incident was reported from Arundi in Nyamathi, where villagers were celebrating a local festival on February 2. The very next morning, the woman, identified as Kamalamma, was found dead inside her house under suspicious circumstances.
Elderly Woman Lived Alone After Daughters Married
Kamalamma had four daughters, all of whom were living with their husbands in their respective marital homes. As a result, the elderly woman had been living alone in her native village. On the morning following the village festivities, she failed to come out of her house despite the door being found open, raising initial concern among neighbours.
When villagers entered the house to check, they found Kamalamma lying dead. With no immediate signs of struggle, it was presumed that she had suffered a heart attack, and preparations for her last rites were initiated.
Missing Gold Raises Suspicion Before Funeral
The case took a dramatic turn when a relative noticed that the gold ornaments Kamalamma usually wore were missing. This observation raised suspicion and prompted the family to alert the police. Acting swiftly, the police intervened and launched an investigation, leading to the exhumation of shocking details behind the elderly woman’s death.
Police investigations revealed that Kamalamma had not died of natural causes, but had instead been murdered.
“What appeared to be a natural death was actually a planned murder for gold. The accused took advantage of the woman living alone during village festivities,” a police official said.
MSc Graduate Turned Accused Due to Online Gaming Addiction
The accused has been identified as Abhishek, a native of Shivamogga, who holds an MSc degree. According to police sources, Abhishek had developed a severe addiction to online gaming, leading him to accumulate debts ranging between ₹20 lakh and ₹25 lakh.
As pressure from moneylenders mounted, Abhishek reportedly left his hometown and wandered across different places for nearly two months. On February 2, he arrived in Arundi village, where fate led him to notice Kamalamma and the gold ornaments she was wearing.
Murder Planned During Village Festival, Gold Looted
Taking advantage of the village being engrossed in festival celebrations, Abhishek allegedly entered Kamalamma’s house unnoticed, strangled her to death, and fled with gold ornaments worth ₹8.44 lakh. Police say the accused later pledged the stolen jewellery and used the money to continue playing online games.
Following technical tracking and interrogation, the police arrested Abhishek and sent him to judicial custody.
Police officials have reiterated the need for greater awareness about online gaming addiction and urged families to remain vigilant, especially in cases involving elderly people living alone.
