A woman identified as Shweta and her live-in partner Kenneth have been arrested in connection with the alleged murder of three family members in Bengaluru's K.R. Puram area, police said on Tuesday, 23 June. The victims — Somasundar (55), his wife Muttulakshmi (48), and their younger daughter Supriya (20) — were allegedly killed over a combination of family opposition to the live-in relationship and a dispute involving loans of approximately ₹30 lakh reportedly taken by Shweta.

How the Crime Unfolded

According to investigators, Shweta was residing with Kenneth in an apartment in the Seegehalli locality of Bengaluru. The couple allegedly hatched a plan and invited the family members to the flat separately on Monday evening. Police say the killings are believed to have begun at around 8:30 pm.

An altercation reportedly broke out first between Muttulakshmi and Kenneth. During the confrontation, Kenneth and Shweta allegedly attacked her with a machete and concealed her body in the bathroom. The two are also suspected of cleaning bloodstains from the premises after the attack, according to police.

When Somasundar and Supriya arrived at the apartment later, Shweta allegedly restrained her sister while Kenneth attacked Supriya with the machete. Kenneth then allegedly turned on Somasundar.

Father's Dying Statement Helps Police

Despite sustaining severe injuries, Somasundar managed to escape from the apartment and reach the cellar of the residential complex. Residents found him lying in a pool of blood and rushed him to a hospital. He gave investigators a detailed account of the incident before succumbing to his injuries. Police have also secured video footage showing him seeking help in the aftermath of the attack.

Local residents alerted the police control room after learning about the incident, prompting the K.R. Puram Police Station to respond. Bodies of the three victims have since been recovered.

Motive Under Investigation

Preliminary investigations suggest the motive stemmed from a prolonged family dispute: Shweta's parents and younger sister had strongly opposed her live-in relationship with Kenneth, and her parents had also raised questions over loans amounting to ₹30 lakh allegedly taken by her, according to police. Officials, however, cautioned that the exact sequence of events and confirmed motive are still being verified.

The case falls under the jurisdiction of the K.R. Puram Police Station. The family originally hailed from Tamil Nadu and had been residing in Bengaluru.

Investigation and Next Steps

Police have launched a detailed investigation and are examining all available evidence, including the video footage and the statement recorded from Somasundar before his death. A hunt has been launched for both accused. Officials indicated that further forensic and circumstantial evidence is being compiled to establish the full chain of events.

The case has drawn sharp attention to the intersection of family conflict, financial disputes, and domestic violence — and raises questions about early intervention mechanisms in escalating family disputes.