A 37-year-old real estate agent and loan consultant, Loknath Singh, was murdered in Bengaluru in what police describe as a case of “betrayal and planned killing” by his own family. His wife, Yashaswini, and mother-in-law, Hema Bai, have been arrested in connection with the crime.
On March 22 at around 5.30 pm, police received a distress call on emergency number 112. Upon arrival, they found Loknath’s body inside a car parked in an isolated area—his throat had been slit. What initially seemed like a straightforward homicide soon revealed a deeper plot driven by personal and financial disputes.
Loknath had been in a secret relationship with Yashaswini for two years before they married in December 2024 through a registered ceremony in Kunigal. However, the marriage was kept hidden from her family, who strongly opposed it due to the couple’s significant age gap. After the wedding, Loknath left his wife at her parental home, ensuring her family remained unaware of their marriage—until recently.
The situation took a dramatic turn about two weeks ago when Yashaswini’s family discovered the truth. Along with this revelation came allegations of Loknath’s extramarital affairs and dubious business dealings. Tensions escalated, arguments turned heated, and discussions of divorce began. According to police, Loknath started threatening his wife and mother-in-law, increasing their fears and ultimately pushing them to plan his murder.
Investigators revealed that the accused first drugged Loknath’s food with sleeping pills to weaken him. Yashaswini then lured him to Chikkabanavara under the pretext of a conversation, while her mother followed closely in an auto-rickshaw. In a secluded spot, the duo carried out the gruesome act, slitting Loknath’s throat inside the car before fleeing the scene.
The murder came to light after Loknath’s brother filed a complaint, prompting police to launch an investigation. As officers probed deeper, they not only uncovered the shocking truth behind his killing but also found that Loknath himself was under investigation by the Central Crime Branch of Bengaluru in a fraud case.
Confirming the arrests, West Division Additional Commissioner Vishal Kumar Bikash said, “Yashaswini, aged 21, and her mother Hema Bai, aged 37, have been arrested in connection with the murder of her husband and real estate businessman Loknath Singh. The accused have been arrested based on a complaint filed by the deceased’s brother. The deceased allegedly had an extramarital affair. There was also talk of divorce. Loknath Singh had threatened his mother-in-law and his wife. Upon threatening, the two conspired to murder him.”
Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) Saidul Adavath also confirmed the case, stating, “We have arrested his wife and mother-in-law for his murder. Further investigation is underway.”
Source: India Today