Mysuru: A 63-year-old woman was allegedly murdered by a man who later attempted to mislead investigators by creating fake leopard pugmarks to make the crime appear as a wild animal attack. The Nanjangud Rural Police have arrested the accused, identified as Mahadevappa, in connection with the murder of Shivarudramma at Kasuvinahalli village in Nanjangud taluk.
Police said the accused allegedly killed the woman to steal her gold jewellery and later dumped her body in a soak pit before trying to divert suspicion by spreading rumours of a leopard attack in the area.
Woman went to temple to collect bilva leaves
According to police, Shivarudramma had gone to the Mahalingeshwara Swamy Temple on the outskirts of Kasuvinahalli village to collect bilva leaves for a puja. She was reportedly wearing around 70 grams of gold jewellery at the time.
While at the temple premises, she sought assistance from Mahadevappa to help gather the leaves. Police said the accused offered to help her collect sandalwood leaves and led her towards a nearby agricultural field.
Investigators allege that he murdered her in the field, stole her jewellery and disposed of the body in a nearby soak pit to conceal the crime.
Missing complaint leads to investigation
When Shivarudramma failed to return home, her husband Guruswamappa lodged a missing person complaint at the Nanjangud Rural Police Station.
Police launched a search operation and began questioning residents and individuals who may have interacted with the woman before her disappearance.
During the search, Mahadevappa reportedly participated actively and repeatedly suggested that a leopard had been spotted in the locality. He allegedly claimed that Shivarudramma might have fallen victim to a leopard attack while collecting leaves.
Fake leopard theory raises suspicion
According to investigators, Mahadevappa’s repeated references to a leopard attack and his insistence on that theory raised suspicion among police officers.
Further inquiries and questioning reportedly revealed inconsistencies in his statements. Investigators then took him into custody for detailed interrogation.
During questioning, Mahadevappa allegedly confessed to the crime. Police said he admitted that he was facing financial difficulties and had planned the murder to steal the victim’s jewellery and repay outstanding loans.
To strengthen the false narrative of a wild animal attack, he allegedly created fake leopard pugmarks in an attempt to mislead investigators and villagers.
Gold jewellery recovered
Police have recovered 53 grams of gold jewellery allegedly stolen from the victim. Efforts are under way to recover the remaining valuables and gather additional evidence related to the case.
The accused has been booked on charges of murder and theft, and further investigation is continuing.
The case has shocked residents of Kasuvinahalli village, particularly because of the calculated attempt to disguise the crime as a wildlife incident. Police officials said the prompt investigation helped uncover the truth and prevent the case from being misclassified.
