Introduction: Mahalakshmi Bengaluru Murder
The horrifying discovery of a dismembered body in a Bengaluru apartment has shocked the nation. This gruesome incident bears striking similarities to the infamous Shraddha Walkar case, where her body was also dismembered by her partner. Mahalakshmi’s case, now known as the “Bengaluru Fridge Horror,” highlights the dark underbelly of domestic violence and toxic relationships.
Introduction to the Case: Timeline of Events
The chilling murder of Mahalakshmi, whose body was found in a refrigerator in her Vyalikaval apartment, occurred between September 3 and 4, 2024. Her alleged killer, Mukti Ranjan Pratap Roy, a 31-year-old man from Odisha, was believed to have been in a tumultuous six-month relationship with Mahalakshmi. Their frequent arguments, some spilling into the streets, drew attention from neighbors and the police. Just like the Shraddha Walkar case, Mukti Ranjan allegedly murdered and dismembered Mahalakshmi’s body, shocking Bengaluru and reigniting national concerns around domestic violence.
The Relationship and Events Leading to the Murder
Mahalakshmi was a divorced woman living in Malleswaram, Bengaluru, with a daughter from her previous marriage to Hemanth, whom she had separated from in 2023. Her strained relationship with Mukti Ranjan involved frequent violent altercations, fueled by his suspicions of her affairs. Mukti had found disturbing photographs on Mahalakshmi’s phone, which caused further rifts between the two.
According to reports, on the night of September 3, Mahalakshmi pressured Mukti to marry her, leading to another intense argument. Mukti, already angered by their constant disputes, assaulted Mahalakshmi, resulting in her death. Overcome by rage and fear, he stayed with her body for the night, contemplating how to dispose of it. On the morning of September 4, Mukti was captured on CCTV purchasing a knife, which he later used to dismember her body.
Disposal and the Discovery of the Body
Mukti Ranjan Roy took steps to hide Mahalakshmi’s body in a refrigerator, mirroring the methods used in the 2022 Shraddha Walkar murder case. He then attempted to flee, switching off his phone and going into hiding. It wasn’t until September 21, 2024, that the decomposed remains of Mahalakshmi were found in her apartment, sending shockwaves through the local community and drawing national attention.
The Manhunt and Mukti’s Suicide
After Mukti fled Bengaluru, a nationwide manhunt ensued. The Bengaluru Police, using advanced technological and forensic techniques, traced his location to Odisha. In a dramatic turn of events, Mukti was found hanging from a tree in Bhadrak, Odisha, on September 25, 2024. A suicide note written in Odia, found near his body, detailed his frustration with Mahalakshmi and his confession to the murder. His younger brother, Smriti Ranjan, had already informed the police that Mukti had confessed to the crime before fleeing.
Expert Opinions and Psychological Perspectives
Experts in criminal psychology have drawn unsettling parallels between the Bengaluru case and the Shraddha Walkar murder. Dr. Sudhir Gupta, a forensic psychologist, mentioned, “Crimes of passion, especially where a partner feels trapped, cornered, or betrayed, can result in extreme actions, as we’ve seen in both these cases. The method of dismemberment points to a deeply disturbed psychological state.”
Similarly, Dr. Rajat Mitra, a renowned psychologist, noted, “In cases like these, the murderer may believe that by dismembering the body, they are removing the identity of the victim. It reflects a profound sense of control and domination.”
The Broader Impact: Domestic Violence and Mental Health
The brutal murder of Mahalakshmi once again sheds light on the growing issue of domestic violence in India. It raises questions about the mental health support available to people in toxic relationships and whether early interventions could prevent such tragedies. Organizations working in the field of domestic violence, such as the All India Women’s Conference (AIWC), have reiterated the importance of counseling services, shelters, and stronger law enforcement to address the increasing rates of domestic violence.
The Shraddha Walkar Murder: An Ominous Precedent
The Bengaluru Fridge Horror is eerily reminiscent of the 2022 Shraddha Walkar murder case, where 28-year-old Shraddha was killed by her live-in partner Aaftab Poonawalla in Delhi. Aaftab dismembered her body and stored the pieces in a refrigerator for weeks before disposing of them. The brutality of Shraddha’s case had left the nation in shock, and the fresh tragedy in Bengaluru serves as a grim reminder of similar unchecked violence in intimate relationships.
Shraddha Walkar’s case reached a turning point when Aaftab’s confession led to his arrest. By early 2024, Delhi Police had filed a 3,000-page supplementary chargesheet with digital evidence, attempting to bring Aaftab to justice. As of September 2024, court proceedings in the case continue, with public outcry ensuring that justice for Shraddha is served.
Conclusion
The Bengaluru Fridge Horror highlights the terrifying consequences of domestic violence and mental instability. Both Mahalakshmi’s and Shraddha Walkar’s tragic deaths serve as stark reminders that without proper intervention, toxic relationships can spiral into fatal violence. The public and authorities must address these issues head-on, ensuring that support systems and legal protections are strengthened to prevent such cases from happening in the future.
For more information on domestic violence helplines and services, you can visit National Domestic Violence Hotline.
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FAQs with Answers
Q1: What led to the argument between Mukti Ranjan Roy and Mahalakshmi?
A: The couple had frequent disputes due to Mahalakshmi’s pressure on Mukti to marry her, coupled with his suspicions about her involvement with other men, leading to the fatal altercation.
Q2: How did the police track Mukti Ranjan after the murder?
A: Using technical data, scientific analysis, and CCTV footage, the Bengaluru Police traced Mukti Ranjan’s movements from West Bengal to Odisha, where he eventually took his own life.
Q3: What was written in Mukti Ranjan’s suicide note?
A: Mukti Ranjan’s suicide note, written in Odia, confessed to the murder of Mahalakshmi. He expressed frustration over her constant fights and demands for money.
Q4: How similar is this case to the Shraddha Walkar case?
A: Both cases involved dismemberment of the body and storing it in a refrigerator. The parallels between the two cases suggest Mukti may have been inspired by the widely reported Shraddha Walkar murder.
Q5: What actions are being taken to prevent such incidents in the future?
A: Legal authorities and women’s safety organizations are advocating for stronger domestic violence laws, increased awareness campaigns, and better support systems for victims of domestic abuse.
