Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Mar 31: The Bengaluru Police are gearing up to take custody of Rakesh Rajendra Khedkar, a 36-year-old techie accused of brutally murdering his wife and stuffing her body into a suitcase. Currently lodged in Bengaluru Central Prison, Rakesh will be taken into police custody on April 1 through a body warrant for further investigation.
The gruesome crime came to light on March 20, when police discovered the body of 32-year-old Gauri Rajendra Khedkar inside a trolley bag at the couple’s residence. The accused had allegedly slit his wife’s throat, stabbed her abdomen, folded her legs, and stuffed her into the suitcase before fleeing the scene.
After committing the murder, Rakesh reportedly called police control, his landlord, and his wife’s parents to confess. He also misled nearby carpenters by claiming that Gauri had died by suicide.
Following the murder, Rakesh fled to Maharashtra, where he attempted to take his own life by consuming poison. Karnataka Police, in collaboration with Maharashtra Police, tracked and detained him near Pune. He was immediately hospitalised before being remanded to 14 days of judicial custody on Saturday night.
Sources revealed that DCP (South East) Sarah Fathima played a crucial role in tracking and negotiating with the accused. The police remained in constant contact with Rakesh, ensuring his capture.
Investigations revealed that Rakesh and Gauri had a complicated family history — Gauri was his close relative (his father’s sister’s daughter). Their families had strongly opposed the marriage, leading to frequent disputes even before their wedding.
Tensions continued after marriage, with the couple frequently quarreling over financial issues. Gauri was reportedly unable to secure a job, which frustrated Rakesh and led to frequent arguments.
On the day of the crime, an argument escalated violently—Rakesh allegedly slapped Gauri, prompting her to throw a knife at him, injuring him. In a fit of rage, he slit her throat and stabbed her multiple times.
The accused has remained largely silent and remorseful, police say. Once taken into custody, investigators hope to uncover the exact sequence of events, the motive, and other crucial details surrounding the murder.
The case continues to be one of the most chilling crimes in recent Bengaluru history, with further revelations expected as the investigation unfolds.