A 65-year-old former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) employee allegedly strangled his wife to death with a towel inside their Bengaluru apartment, motivated by anxiety about her future, and was arrested after alerting an acquaintance. Police said he also attempted suicide.
A shocking domestic homicide unfolded on Wednesday morning in south Bengaluru when police arrested Nageshwar Rao, 65, a retired ISRO team leader, for allegedly killing his wife, Sandhya Shri (62), inside their home in the Virtuoso apartment complex in Bommanahalli.
According to senior police officials, Rao is accused of strangling his wife with a towel at around 10.15 am after expressing concerns that there would be no one to look after her if he died.
Police were informed around 11 am after Rao contacted a neighbour or acquaintance from inside the apartment. Officers from the Avalahalli Police Station arrived shortly thereafter and took Rao into custody without resistance.
The victim was found unresponsive; a doctor who lives in the complex confirmed her death at the scene before the body was sent for post-mortem examination.
Authorities have registered a case of murder and are conducting a detailed inquiry into the circumstances leading up to the fatal assault. The couple’s only daughter, who is settled in the United States, has been informed about the tragedy by police, officials said.
Preliminary Findings: Mental Health, Motive and Community Reaction
Early investigations indicate that Rao had been undergoing psychiatric treatment for depression, and preliminary inquiries suggest that mental distress played a significant role in the incident.
According to the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Whitefield Division), Saidulu Adavath, Rao was reportedly distressed and fearful about his wife’s future, which he told investigators was central to his actions. He allegedly planned to take his own life after killing her but did not follow through.
Speaking to reporters, Joint Commissioner of Police Ramesh Banoth said Rao appeared mentally disturbed during initial questioning and was not giving coherent responses.
“Based on the information received, a case of murder has been registered at Avalahalli Police Station. During questioning, he did not provide coherent responses. He appears to be mentally disturbed,” Banoth said.
Neighbours described the couple as quiet and private, with no noticeable signs of conflict in recent years. Many residents of the apartment complex, however, expressed shock at the violent turn of events in what had previously appeared to be an ordinary family home.
Background and Broader Context
Rao, a native of Andhra Pradesh, and Shri had been living in their Bengaluru home for several years. Sources familiar with local reports say both had worked with ISRO in the past, though Shri was described as primarily a homemaker after retirement. Their daughter, settled abroad, had limited contact in person and was informed of the incident by the police.
Domestic violence remains a serious concern across India, with experts highlighting the complex interplay between mental health, social isolation, and elder stress.
While detailed motive verification is ongoing, investigators are reviewing Rao’s medical history, including treatment records for depression, as part of efforts to understand the full context of the tragedy.
The case comes amid wider public discourse on mental health support for the elderly, particularly those living away from extended family.
Social advocates note that anxiety, chronic depression, and lack of robust support systems can heighten stress, especially among retirees struggling with identity and purpose after long careers.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This harrowing incident is a stark reminder that mental health challenges and domestic violence can manifest in the most unexpected settings, cutting across professional backgrounds and social status.
A lifetime of service at a prestigious institution such as ISRO does not immunise individuals against emotional distress, nor does it diminish the tragedy of lives lost within homes.
It also underscores the importance of accessible and destigmatised mental health care, especially for senior citizens who may feel isolated or without support.
