Intruder breaks into Bengaluru home, slits woman’s throat as mentally challenged husband sleeps beside her
Times of India
by TOI CITY DESKFebruary 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A 70-year-old woman, identified as Shobha, was tragically murdered in her home in Bengaluru’s Nelamangala area. The attack occurred around 1:03 am when a man broke into their residence and slit her throat while her mentally challenged husband, Ranganath, slept nearby. Police have arrested Shivakumar, a wholesale shop owner, suspected to be the perpetrator. Investigators believe financial distress motivated the crime, as Shivakumar was reportedly trying to clear an Rs 8 lakh debt.
Shobha and Ranganath lived alone in Kote Beedi, Hirapur locality, with no children. Shobha, known for wearing substantial gold ornaments, was targeted for her valuables. After the attack, police found evidence suggesting the suspect searched the house for cash. The couple had returned home earlier from their routine morning walk.
The crime was discovered when a doctor arrived to provide physiotherapy to Ranganath and found Shobha’s lifeless body beside him. Ranganath appeared unaware of what had happened. CCTV footage captured a man on a motorcycle leaving the area shortly after the incident, leading investigators to trace the vehicle’s registration number, which pointed to Shivakumar.
This case highlights vulnerabilities faced by elderly individuals and those with mental challenges, often left defenseless in such situations. It also underscores the impact of financial strain as a driver for violent crimes. Authorities are working to ensure public safety while investigating further details into this shocking incident.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/19/2026