A Bengaluru woman and her lover have been arrested in connection with the murders of her husband and five-year-old son. Police said the killings were premeditated and were carried out after the victims had gone to sleep.
The incident unfolded at the family’s home. While 38-year-old Abhinandan and his five-year-old son were watching Bigg Boss on television, Harini was allegedly planning their murders while walking in the verandah.
According to police, Harini and her boyfriend Vinay decided to kill Abhinandan because they believed he was an obstacle to their relationship.
Police said Harini had repeatedly asked her husband for a divorce because she wanted to live with Vinay.
Harini and Abhinandan, who got married in 2021, had reportedly experienced marital problems for several years and had been sleeping in separate rooms for about two years. Harini and Vinay allegedly met on Snapchat in December 2024 and later entered into a relationship.
Police said Abhinandan had begun suspecting that his wife was communicating with another man.
About 15 days before the murders, he approached the police seeking her call detail records. The couple reportedly argued frequently over the issue.
Investigators suspect the final plan to kill Abhinandan was made following another dispute between him and Harini on August 14, two days before the murders.
During the argument, Abhinandan allegedly assaulted Harini.
The next morning, Abhinandan dropped Harini at her parents’ house before leaving to meet his mother. He returned on Sunday evening, picked up Harini and went back home.
By that point, police suspect Harini had already decided to kill her husband with Vinay’s assistance.
DCP North West Nagesh said Harini contacted Vinay following the Friday argument, after which the two allegedly finalised their plan.
Police also said Harini had bought two pairs of gloves beforehand, which she and Vinay allegedly wore during the murders.
Investigators suspect that CCTV cameras at the house had been turned off earlier on Sunday, before the killings took place.
At around 11 pm, Vinay allegedly reached the house. Harini is suspected to have concealed him in the passage near the garage before taking him inside.
Around 11.30 pm, after Abhinandan had gone to sleep, Harini allegedly brought Vinay into her room.
As the couple slept in separate rooms, Harini reportedly checked three times to ensure that her husband was asleep.
At approximately 12.30 am, Harini and Vinay allegedly put on the gloves and approached Abhinandan.
According to police, Vinay strangled Abhinandan by gripping his neck while Harini restrained his legs. The struggle reportedly woke their young son.
DCP Nagesh said the child woke up during the altercation and that Harini subsequently confessed to killing him as well. Police have taken Vinay Kumar into custody and are questioning him, while he has also reportedly admitted his involvement.
The murders came to light on Monday morning when Harini herself called the police and reported that her husband and son were unresponsive.
A police team arrived at the residence and found both of them dead.
Harini was initially detained for questioning and was reportedly hesitant to respond to investigators. During interrogation, police said she revealed Vinay’s involvement and details of the alleged murder plan.
Investigators had initially suspected foul play after noticing injuries on Abhinandan’s body.
