'We were shocked to hear that': Only daughter of ex-Isro employee who killed wife refuses to fly from US for funeral, cites personal reasons
Times of India
by RAJIV KALKODFebruary 20, 2026
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A shocking incident unfolded in Bengaluru when a 70-year-old man, Nageshwar Rao, killed his wife, Sandhya Shri, fearing no one would care for her after his death. Rao, who was staying at a senior living community since 2022, confessed to the police that he acted out of desperation, as they had no close relatives left to support Sandhya. The couple's only daughter, living in New Jersey, initially agreed to fly back but later refused, citing personal reasons. This refusal left the police with no choice but to involve a family member to handle the legal and cremation procedures.
The incident occurred on February 18, when Rao killed his wife inside their flat at Virtuoso Apartments. Upon questioning, Rao admitted to the murder, stating, "Who would have looked after her after my death? We don't have close relatives." Police attempted to convince the daughter of her responsibility but faced rejection, leaving them shocked and forced to seek help from a distant relative, Vijay Babu, who assisted in completing the formalities.
The case highlights the emotional and logistical challenges faced by authorities when dealing with such tragedies. It also raises questions about the support systems available for elderly couples without close family ties. The lack of immediate family intervention underscores the vulnerabilities faced by seniors living alone, particularly in countries like India where traditional family structures are often relied upon for care. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for robust social safety nets to protect vulnerable individuals in their golden years.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/20/2026