Year-old murder cracked in Chikkaballapur; woman identified through skeletal remains, two arrested

Chikkaballapur, : In a breakthrough in a year-old murder case, police in Chikkaballapur have identified a  woman killed and burnt beyond recognition, and arrested two accused who had been evading suspicion for months.

The case dates back to October 19, 2025, when a human skull and skeletal remains were found in a forested valley between Chikkaballapur and Gauribidanur. Police from the Chikkaballapur rural station, who rushed to the spot, recovered partially burnt clothes, a nose ring, and a saree—strongly indicating that the victim was a woman.

Despite extensive efforts, including issuing lookout notices and announcing rewards for information, the identity of the deceased remained unknown for nearly a year. Investigators faced significant challenges due to the condition of the remains and lack of immediate leads.

After prolonged investigation, police have now identified the victim as Nunakamma (52), a resident of Tipparayanadurga in Pavagada taluk of Tumakuru district. She had been living with her brother and had no immediate family of her own.

According to police, the murder was orchestrated by Nagalakshmi (32), who was related to the victim, along with her lover Ashok Kumar (27), a resident of Madakasira in Andhra Pradesh.

Investigations revealed that the accused lured Nunakamma under the pretext of providing medical treatment, claiming she was suffering from a serious illness. On September 20, they took her on a motorcycle to a remote forest area in Chikkaballapur, where they allegedly killed her and abandoned the body.

In a chilling attempt to destroy evidence, the duo returned to the spot four days later and set the body on fire using petrol, ensuring that identification would be difficult. They then went about their lives as if nothing had happened.

Police further revealed that after committing the murder, the accused stole cash and gold ornaments from the victim’s house. The motive is suspected to be financial gain, with the accused targeting the victim’s assets.

After months of investigation and piecing together evidence, police finally traced the accused and arrested them. Both have been remanded to judicial custody.

The case highlights the persistence of investigators who were able to crack a complex murder despite the accused’s attempts to erase all traces. However, the brutality of the crime has shocked locals, especially given that the victim was allegedly killed by her own relative for money.