Murder accused robbed valuables too from geologist's house

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: The Deputy Director of Mines and Geology Department was recently found murdered in the city. Caught in the police trap while trying to flee, the driver, Kiran, has now revealed to the police that he had killed the officer for money, gold, and jewellery.

Allegedly, the accused had plotted to sneak into Prathima's house, murder her, and steal cash, gold, and valuables in her house.

During the interrogation, Kiran has stated that he stole the valuables worth Rs 3 to 4 lakhs and subsequently placed them at his friend, Shiva’s residence in Konankunte here.

However, Shiva was unaware of the source of the money, sources said. Upon questioning, Shiva was informed by Kiran that he needed someone to keep the money temporarily.

After returning from a visit to Malpe Maheshwar Betta, Kiran planned to retrieve the money and flee from the city. The police have reportedly obtained a confession from Shiva, acknowledging that Kiran had handed him valuables including cash and gold obtained through the murder.

The new angle in the investigation hints that the motive for the killing was clearly money-related. The investigation is being conducted under the leadership of Talaghattapura Police Station Inspector Jagadish.

Kiran was formerly working as an official driver for Prathima KS, a senior geologist at the Mines and Geology Department in Bengaluru. Prathima was found murdered at her house in Subramanyapura on November 4.

According to the police, within a few hours of the incident, Kiran was tracked and arrested. In his initial statement to the police, Kiran had reportedly said, "I used to work as a chauffeur for Madam. Recently, I was relieved from duty. Frustrated, I committed the murder," he had said.

However, the actual details came to light during the rigorous police interrogation. Further probe is still underway.