Bengaluru: Migrant worker kills wife, flees to Bihar; body found after 5 days
Synopsis
A migrant woman's body lay undiscovered for nearly five days in a Bengaluru rental home — wrapped in a bedsheet, near the toilet — until a foul smell alerted a colleague. Her husband, who allegedly killed her before fleeing to Bihar, is now the subject of a police manhunt. The case highlights the vulnerability of migrant workers living in Bengaluru's unmonitored industrial outskirts.
Key Takeaways
Reema Kumari , a migrant woman from Bihar , was allegedly murdered by her husband Dheeraj Kumar in their rented home in Bengaluru .
The body was found on Thursday, 30 July , nearly five days after the suspected murder, which police believe occurred on Sunday .
The decomposed body was wrapped in a bedsheet and discovered near the toilet inside the house after a colleague raised the alarm.
The incident falls under Kumbalagodu Police Station , near the Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway .
Accused Dheeraj Kumar has reportedly fled to Bihar ; a manhunt is underway and CCTV footage is being examined.
A Bihar-origin migrant woman was allegedly murdered by her husband in their rented accommodation on the outskirts of Bengaluru, with the crime going undiscovered for nearly five days until neighbours detected a foul smell from the premises, police said on Thursday, 30 July. The deceased has been identified as Reema Kumari, and her husband, Dheeraj Kumar, is the prime accused in the case.
How the Crime Came to Light
Reema Kumari's absence from work for several consecutive days prompted a colleague and friend to visit the couple's residence. Upon arrival, the visitor noticed a strong foul odour emanating from inside the locked house. The landlord was alerted and opened the door, revealing Reema Kumari's body in a highly decomposed state — wrapped in a bedsheet and left near the toilet inside the home.
Preliminary investigations suggest the murder took place on Sunday, approximately four to five days before the body was discovered. Neighbours told police they had not seen Reema Kumari for several days but had assumed she was away.
Who the Couple Were
According to police, the couple had relocated from Bihar to Bengaluru roughly a year ago in search of employment and were working at a factory near Gerupalya. Residents described them as friendly and said theirs was a love marriage. 'They would leave for work every day around 8.30 am and return in the evening. We never imagined something like this could happen,' a local resident said.
The incident falls within the jurisdiction of Kumbalagodu Police Station, located near the Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway on the city's outskirts.
Accused Flees, Manhunt Launched
Police suspect Dheeraj Kumar fled to his native place in Bihar shortly after committing the alleged crime. A manhunt has been launched to trace and arrest him. Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage from surrounding areas and gathering additional evidence to establish the motive behind the killing.
Investigation Status
The body, found in an advanced state of decomposition, has been shifted to a mortuary for postmortem examination. Police said the motive is yet to be confirmed and that further investigation is underway. This case is among a growing number of domestic violence-related incidents reported among migrant worker communities in Bengaluru's industrial periphery.
Point of View
Poorly monitored rental clusters where social networks are thin and welfare checks are absent. The fact that a body lay undiscovered for nearly five days in an occupied neighbourhood points to the anonymity and isolation that define migrant life on Bengaluru's industrial fringe. Police must also address the motive gap: without understanding what drove this alleged killing, patterns that could prevent future incidents remain invisible.
NationPress
30 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was killed in the Bengaluru migrant worker murder case?
The victim has been identified as Reema Kumari , a migrant woman from Bihar who was living with her husband in a rented home near Kumbalagodu, on the outskirts of Bengaluru. Her husband, Dheeraj Kumar, is the prime accused in the case.
When did the Bengaluru murder take place?
Police believe the murder occurred on Sunday, approximately four to five days before the body was discovered on Thursday, 30 July. The exact date is being confirmed through postmortem examination and CCTV evidence.
How was the body discovered?
A colleague of Reema Kumari, concerned by her prolonged absence from work, visited the residence and noticed a foul smell. The landlord opened the door and found her decomposed body wrapped in a bedsheet near the toilet inside the house.
Where is the accused Dheeraj Kumar now?
Police suspect Dheeraj Kumar fled to his native place in Bihar shortly after the alleged murder. A manhunt has been launched to trace and arrest him, and investigators are reviewing CCTV footage from the surrounding area.
What is the motive behind the Bengaluru migrant murder?
The motive has not yet been confirmed by police. Investigators are gathering evidence, including CCTV footage, and the postmortem report is awaited. Further investigation is underway.
