Karnataka Businessman Kills Lookalike To Claim Insurance

Bengaluru: A businessman and his wife are accused of orchestrating the murder of an innocent man to claim life insurance benefits and resolve their financial troubles in Karnataka’s Hassan district.

The prime suspect, Muniswamy Gowda, from Hoskote in Bengaluru Rural, along with truck driver Devendra Nayaka, has been arrested for the alleged murder of an unidentified man. Gowda’s wife, Shilparani, is still at large. 

The incident reportedly unfolded on August 13, when Shilparani identified a deceased man, who had died allegedly while changing a flat tyre by the roadside in Gollarahalli, as her husband. She then proceeded to perform the funeral rites for him.

According to Mohammad Sujeetha, Superintendent of Police, the couple had purchased multiple life insurance policies with Shilparani as the nominee. To claim these benefits and alleviate their financial issues, they devised a scheme to fake Gowda’s death. Gowda and Shilparani allegedly lured a beggar into their vehicle, with the intention of using him as a stand-in for Gowda.

During a trip, Gowda reportedly stopped the vehicle under the pretense of a flat tyre and asked the beggar for assistance. While the beggar was changing the tyre, Gowda allegedly pushed him under the wheels of a truck driven by Nayaka, making it appear as though a road accident had occurred.

The plan seemed to work initially, as the community and police believed Gowda had died in the accident. Shilparani even filed an insurance claim. However, the plot began to unravel when Gowda, fearing exposure, met his distant relative, Inspector Srinivas from Sidlaghatta police station. Srinivas, who had also attended the supposed funeral, was shocked to see Gowda alive and promptly reported the matter to the Gandasi police.

Gowda was subsequently apprehended by the Hassan police. During interrogation, he confessed to the crime, revealing that the couple had attempted to kill the victim on three prior occasions. Gowda’s financial troubles, including losses from his tyre shop and debts to various people, drove him to this drastic measure. He had hoped to resolve his financial issues through insurance policies offering double accident benefits.

The police are still investigating the case and working to identify the victim.