A YEAR OF TRAGEDIES, FRAUDS AND SHOCKING MURDERS

Bengaluru: 2024 saw a mixed bag of crime trends in Bengaluru. Cybercrimes continued to surge, with phishing scams and online frauds becoming increasingly sophisticated. Property crimes like theft and burglary remained a concern, particularly in densely populated areas. The city also witnessed a rise in domestic violence, suicide and murder cases highlighting the need for stronger support systems. While the police force made significant strides in combating these issues, challenges remain in addressing the root causes of crime and ensuring community safety.

Atul Subash case: One of the most shocking cases in the city was the tragic suicide of techie Atul Subhash, sparking widespread outrage and debate. The Marathahalli police arrested three people, including Atul Subhash's wife, in connection with his suicide, which shocked the nation. Atul's wife, Nikita Singhania, was arrested in Gurugram, Haryana, while his mother, Nisha Singhania, and brother, Anurag Singhania, were arrested in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh. Atul, 34, was found dead by suicide at his Bengaluru home on December 9.

He left behind videos and notes blaming his wife and in-laws for driving him to take the drastic step through "false" cases and relentless torture. Atul's father, Pawan Kumar, demanded strict punishment for those responsible for his son's harassment, asserting that he would not immerse his son's ashes until justice was served. He also sought custody of his grandson.

Renukaswamy murder case: The shocking case of the murder of Renukaswamy, allegedly involving Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, has captured widespread attention. On June 7, 2024, Renukaswamy was allegedly abducted by Raghu, an associate of Darshan, and tortured to death in a shed. Police later discovered his body near Sumanahalli Bridge. The investigation revealed that Darshan, along with his girlfriend Pavithra Gowda and several others, was involved in the brutal act, with some suspects attempting to cover up his involvement.

One accused, Deepak, volunteered as an approver, revealing that Darshan had beaten Renukaswamy, which led to his death. The autopsy confirmed the victim died due to shock haemorrhage and blunt injuries. The investigation uncovered attempts to conceal Darshan's role, with the accused receiving large sums of money to protect him. On June 11, Darshan was arrested, along with other suspects, including Pavithra Gowda.

Koramangala PG murder: Kriti Kumari, a 24-year-old business development associate, was murdered on July 23 in Bengaluru after helping her colleague move out of her ex-boyfriend Abhishek Ghosi's flat. The police launched a thorough investigation, examining CCTV footage and conducting interviews with residents and staff. Ghosi, frustrated by his breakup and Kumari's involvement, bought a knife four hours before the murder.

He entered the PG facility where Kumari was staying, chased her, and stabbed her multiple times. Ghosi's motive was linked to his belief that Kumari had played a role in ending his relationship with his girlfriend, who had moved to Bengaluru for a job. After the murder, Ghosi fled to MP but was arrested on July 26. A 1,205-page chargesheet, with 85 witness statements, was filed in the case. The incident sent shockwaves across the city.

Mahalakshmi murder-suicide: In another spine-chilling case from Bengaluru, a 29-year-old garment show worker Mahalakshmi's dismembered body was discovered in a refrigerator in her flat. Her boyfriend, Mukti Ranjan Rai, was later identified as the murderer. Rai, after killing Mahalakshmi, fled to his hometown in Odisha, where he confessed to his mother about the crime. He revealed that Mahalakshmi had threatened to frame him in a kidnapping case, which led to his violent actions.

The body, chopped into more than 50 pieces, was discovered by Mahalakshmi's mother on September 21. Rai’s whereabouts were traced to Odisha, but before the police could arrest him, he died by suicide on September 25. A chilling suicide note was found, confirming Rai’s confession and detailing his troubled relationship with Mahalakshmi.

Rameshwaram cafe blast: On March 1, 2024, an IED explosion at Rameshwaram Cafe in Bengaluru injured at least eight people. The blast, occurring at the Whitefield branch, was caused by a low-intensity improvised explosive device. Initially, the Bengaluru Police suspected a gas leak, but CCTV footage later confirmed the presence of a suspect placing a bag with the IED.

City grapples with a surge in cybercrime: `2,047cr lost

Bengaluru, the tech hub of India, is facing an alarming rise in cybercrime, with losses surpassing Rs 2,047 crore in 2024 alone. Karnataka recorded 20,875 cybercrime cases, with Bengaluru accounting for a staggering 16,357 of these incidents. This surge highlights the city’s vulnerability to cyber threats, urging authorities to step up cybersecurity measures.

The rise in cybercrime has led to widespread fraud, with scams targeting educated individuals. In one case, a young woman lost Rs 56 lakh to cyber criminals who impersonated her company’s managing director via WhatsApp. Despite awareness campaigns, victims continue to fall for these scams. A 59-year-old Japanese national in Bengaluru was recently conned out of Rs 35.49 lakh, while a 39-yearold software engineer lost Rs 11.8 crore in a digital arrest fraud.

Bengaluru's Cyber Crime Police Station has intensified efforts to track down cybercriminals. Authorities are warning the public, especially against fraudsters posing as police or CBI officials. As cybercrime evolves, the city’s law enforcement agencies continue to combat the growing threat, but the public must remain vigilant to prevent further financial losses.