In a chilling incident from Chikkahejjur village in Hunsur taluk, Mysuru district, a woman named Sallapuri (40) murdered her husband, Venkataswamy (45), to fraudulently claim ₹15 lakh in government compensation provided for deaths caused by wild animal attacks. The couple worked as caretakers on a 4.1-acre arecanut plantation and lived on-site in employer-provided housing.

Plot Hatched Amid Tiger Sightings

Recent tiger sightings near the Nagarahole Tiger Reserve had raised fear in the area. Taking advantage of these circumstances, Sallapuri allegedly poisoned her husband on September 9 while he was asleep. After ensuring his death, she hid his body in a cow dung pit behind their house and covered it with straw and leaves.

She then lodged a missing complaint, claiming Venkataswamy had run out of the house after hearing a tiger roar and had likely been dragged into the forest.

Investigation Unravels the Lie

Initially, forest and police officials launched an extensive search in the surrounding forest. However, they grew suspicious when no tiger tracks were found, and Sallapuri’s behavior seemed off. A deeper search around their home led investigators to discover Venkataswamy’s body buried in the dung heap.

Confronted with the evidence, Sallapuri confessed to the crime. She admitted that she had overheard a conversation at work about the government offering ₹15 lakh in compensation to families of people killed by wild animals. This inspired her to plot the murder, hoping to claim the amount and secure a lavish lifestyle.

Crime Shocks Local Community

The murder has sent shockwaves through the local community and raised serious concerns over misuse of government schemes. The accused has been arrested, and a case has been registered at the Hunsur Rural Police Station. Authorities are continuing their investigation to confirm whether others were involved in planning or assisting the crime.

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