A Mysterious Discovery
Three weeks ago, a charred and unidentified body was discovered in a coffee plantation near Suntikoppa in Karnataka’s Kodagu district. This gruesome find marked the beginning of an intricate murder investigation that spanned state borders and revealed a sinister plot driven by greed and betrayal.
Unraveling the Mystery
On October 8, Kodagu police found the burnt remains of a man in the plantation. Initial attempts to identify the body were unsuccessful, prompting investigators to review local CCTV footage. A red Mercedes Benz passing through the area raised suspicions. This vehicle was traced back to Ramesh, a 54-year-old businessman from Telangana, who had been reported missing by his wife, Niharika.
The Investigation Deepens
As the investigation progressed, police began to suspect Niharika (29), Ramesh’s wife. Upon her apprehension, Niharika confessed to her involvement in the murder and implicated two accomplices: Nikhil, a veterinary doctor, and Ankur, an associate she had met during a previous stint in jail for financial fraud.
A Troubled Background and a Deadly Plan
Niharika’s background revealed a troubled childhood, marked by the death of her father and her mother’s subsequent remarriage. Despite excelling academically and securing a career in engineering, her life took a dark turn, leading to early marriage, motherhood, separation, and eventual imprisonment for financial fraud. It was in prison that she met Ankur.
After her release, Niharika married Ramesh, enjoying a lavish lifestyle that his wealth provided. However, tensions rose when she demanded ₹8 crore from him, a request he denied. Enraged, Niharika, with the help of her lover Nikhil and Ankur, devised a plan to murder Ramesh and seize his wealth.
The Heinous Crime
On October 1, in Uppal, Hyderabad, the trio executed their plan, choking Ramesh to death. They then drove to Bengaluru, carrying cash stolen from Ramesh’s home. After stopping for fuel, they continued to Kodagu, approximately 800 km from Uppal. In a remote coffee estate, they covered Ramesh’s body with a blanket and set it on fire. Returning to Hyderabad, Niharika filed a missing person report for Ramesh, attempting to divert suspicion.
Police Breakthrough
Kodagu police chief Ramarajan detailed the challenges faced in the investigation, stating, “Prima facie, we determined that the body had been burned 3-4 days before the complaint was registered. Our crime team began investigating suspicious activities in the area. They discovered that on Saturday, a vehicle was moving suspiciously in the area between 12 am and 2 am.” Despite unclear images from CCTV footage, the team meticulously examined footage from 500 cameras up to Tumkur, tracing the vehicle back to Ramesh.
Arrests and Charges
Based on their findings, the police arrested Niharika, Nikhil, and Ankur. Kodagu police chief Ramarajan confirmed, “Niharika is the prime suspect; she allegedly murdered Ramesh, the owner of the car. Niharika, along with Nikhil and another accomplice, Ankur, together murdered him and disposed of the body.”
The unraveling of this murder plot underscores the lengths to which greed and betrayal can drive individuals. The swift and meticulous work of the police not only brought the perpetrators to justice but also shed light on the dark undercurrents of human relationships and the extreme actions they can provoke.
(With inputs from agencies)
