The interrogation of the 25-year-old software engineer, who was arrested for the murder of three of her family members in Bengaluru, revealed a history of family tensions over her relationship with her boyfriend – a co-accused in the case – and other lifestyle choices, police officers familiar with the matter said on Wednesday.
Accused Shwetha was detained near Puducherry railway station on Tuesday, while her accomplice Kenneth remained absconding. Police alleged that the two carried out the murders inside the family’s flat at Sai Green Homes in Dominic Layout, Sigihalli, on Monday night before fleeing.
“We are collecting all the evidence and verifying every aspect before coming to final conclusions,” police inspector KR Pooram N Satish said.
“Preliminary investigation indicates that there were frequent disputes between the accused and her parents regarding her personal life and relationship. The motive behind the murder is that mother Muthulakshmi was strongly against her relationship with her boyfriend Kenneth. She also abused Shwetha due to which she had taken huge amount of loans from various banks,” Satish added.
The police said that the accused are engineering graduates who work in private companies and had been living together in a rented apartment for the past two months. Investigators are also examining whether the accused has accumulated liabilities, including loans amounting to approx $30,000 played a role in the murder.
During the search of the apartment, the police found a book that they suspected was an alleged personal diary of the accused. Investigators said they are analyzing the entries and have sent the book for further examination.
“Several pieces of evidence have been collected from the scene, including digital records, documents and witness statements. We are reconstructing the sequence of events and identifying the exact role played by each accused,” Satish said.
Earlier on Tuesday, investigators said an argument that started around 7.30pm at the family’s apartment in Sighihalli escalated into violence. “During the discussion, a heated argument broke out over the unpaid loans. In a fit of rage, the couple allegedly attacked Somasundar, Muthulakshmi and Supriya with a machete,” Satish said.
Two victims died inside the apartment, while Somasundar managed to get out before collapsing down the stairs. He later died in hospital.
