Probe Reveals Husband Tried to Dump Wife’s Body in Kodagu Forest After Suicide

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Madikeri/Mysuru: Police probing the death of a 45-year-old woman from Mysuru have discovered that her husband and two of his associates were travelling with her body in a car, allegedly intending to abandon it deep inside the Siddapura–Madikeri forest belt.

Forest Department staff reportedly intercepted the Haryana-registered vehicle at the Maldare–Lingapura check-post in the early hours of Saturday(November 15, 2025), thwarting their suspected plan. An Unnatural Death Report (UDR) has since been filed at the Siddapura Police Station.

According to a Star of Mysore report, The woman has been identified as Nankidevi, originally from Bhamboor village in Haryana’s Sirsa district and residing in Kumbarakoppal, Mysuru. Her husband Rakesh Kumar, along with his friends Vikas and Satveer, has been taken into custody.

Died by suicide:

Siddapura Sub-Inspector Manjunath, quoted in a SOM report, said preliminary findings suggest that Nankidevi died by suicide. According to the officer, the trio attempted to dispose of her body in the forest to avoid police scrutiny.

Police officials said the incident began on Friday evening. Around 8 p.m., while Rakesh was at work, Nankidevi allegedly called him during a quarrel, threatened to take her life, and disconnected the call. Rakesh rushed home, broke open the door with the help of neighbours, and found her hanging. She was reportedly alive at that moment. Neighbours and house owner Bhajan Lal advised him to take her to a hospital.

A police team later visited Kumbarakoppal and confirmed these details.

ALSO READ: Haryana Woman Found Dead in Car at Kodagu Forest Check-Post

Bhajan Lal lent his car for the emergency. However, instead of driving to a hospital in Mysuru, Rakesh and his two friends began their journey towards Madikeri. By the time they left the locality, police said, Nankidevi had succumbed, and the trio allegedly decided to abandon her body in the forest.

Unaware of the Forest Department’s check-post:

Despite the Hunsur–Maldare route being surrounded by dense wilderness, the accused were unaware of the Forest Department’s check-post. Officers there stopped the vehicle, finding the body inside. Police also stated that the three men consumed alcohol during the journey while the body remained in the car.

Around 1.30 a.m., Bhajan Lal contacted Rakesh for an update, but Rakesh allegedly lied, claiming that her condition had stabilised.

Police said Rakesh was Nankidevi’s second husband. Her first husband, Ramkumar, still lives in Haryana and is reportedly in poor health. She had eloped with Rakesh about 18 months ago and moved to Mysuru, where he works as a carpenter.

Officials said the accused are likely to face charges for unlawfully transporting a corpse and attempting to dispose of it.

Mental Health helpline numbers: Those experiencing distress or contemplating suicide can seek assistance by contacting the Arogya Sahayavani helpline at phone number 104. Sahai helpline (24-hour): 080 65000111, 080 65000222. Here are active helplines throughout India: Click here

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