Police in Karnataka's Chikkaballapur district are investigating a tragic and complex case involving the death of a young woman and the disappearance of her married cousin, with whom she was allegedly in a long-term secret relationship.
A Suspicious Death in Peresandra
A 21-year-old woman named Ramalakshmi was discovered dead under suspicious circumstances at her rented accommodation in Peresandra village on Wednesday night, January 7, 2026. The victim, a native of Ramakrishnapura village in Bagepalli taluk, worked for a prominent private company.
While initial findings by the Chikkaballapur police point towards a possible suicide, authorities have launched a full-scale investigation. This probe is not only examining the cause of death but also delving into the allegations of her relationship with her 30-year-old cousin, Krishna, who is married and has a son.
The Missing Cousin and a Three-Year Secret
Krishna has gone missing following the incident, prompting the police to initiate a search operation to trace him. Investigators revealed that the fathers of Krishna and Ramalakshmi, Ravanappa and Anjanappa, are brothers, making them part of the same extended family.
The couple was allegedly in a relationship for nearly three years, a period that preceded Krishna's marriage. Facing intense family opposition, Ramalakshmi returned to her native village, while Krishna stayed in Bagepalli town. It was during this separation that Krishna married another woman.
Defying Families to Live Together
Despite his marriage and continued opposition from both families, Krishna and Ramalakshmi reportedly resumed their relationship, living together as husband and wife in a rented house in Peresandra. The police stated that Krishna had allegedly arranged this separate accommodation for her, where their relationship continued.
The exact sequence of events leading to Ramalakshmi's death remains unclear. The police have registered an Unnatural Death Report (UDR) at the Peresandra station and are awaiting the post-mortem report. "Only after the post-mortem report and tracking down of Krishna, would we know the exact reason for her death," a police official said on Thursday, January 8.
The investigation continues as authorities piece together the final days of the young woman's life and search for the missing man at the center of this family tragedy.
