A 24-year-old man accused of murdering his wife inside their rented home in Bengaluru has allegedly confessed to the crime after police tracked him down in Bihar, bringing a tragic end to a days-long investigation that began when a decomposed body was discovered inside the couple’s locked room.
The accused, identified as Dheeraj Kumar, was arrested after investigators traced his movements across states following the death of his wife, Reema Kumari. Police allege that Dheeraj strangled Reema during a domestic argument before abandoning her body inside their residence in Bengaluru’s Kumbalgodu area and fleeing to his native village in Bihar.
Investigators say the case highlights how repeated domestic conflicts can escalate into fatal violence, while also demonstrating how coordinated police work and forensic evidence helped solve the crime despite the accused’s attempt to escape.
Couple Had Married for Love and Moved to Bengaluru
According to the police, Dheeraj Kumar and Reema Kumari had married approximately ten months ago after falling in love. The couple reportedly relocated to Bengaluru without informing Reema’s family, hoping to begin a new life together.
Initially, the marriage appeared stable. However, investigators claim that tensions gradually developed after the couple settled in the city.
During questioning, Dheeraj allegedly told police that Reema had become increasingly distant after moving to Bengaluru. He claimed she spent much of her time creating social media reels at home and allegedly showed little interest in maintaining their relationship. Investigators also said he alleged that she often prepared meals only for herself and did not serve him after he returned home from work.
Police emphasized that these are claims made by the accused during interrogation and remain part of the ongoing investigation.
Frequent Arguments Allegedly Created Growing Tension
According to investigators, disagreements between the couple became increasingly frequent in the months leading up to the incident.
Police said Reema had reportedly expressed a desire to return to Bihar, a decision that allegedly created further strain in the relationship. As tensions continued to rise, the couple reportedly argued over household responsibilities, communication, and their future together.
Investigators believe these repeated disputes created an atmosphere of conflict inside the home before the alleged murder took place.
What Happened on the Day of the Alleged Murder?
Police said the incident occurred on July 25 at the couple’s rented residence in Kumbalgodu.
According to the accused’s statement, Dheeraj returned home that day expecting dinner but allegedly found that no food had been prepared for him. A verbal argument reportedly began and later intensified.
Investigators said Dheeraj claimed he asked Reema to go to bed, but she refused. He further alleged that she struck him with a wooden stick during the confrontation.
Police allege that Dheeraj then used Reema’s dupatta (veil) to strangle her to death.
Following the alleged killing, investigators said Dheeraj wrapped her face in plastic, covered the body with a bedsheet, and left it inside the rented room before fleeing Bengaluru in an attempt to avoid arrest.
Decomposed Body Discovered Days Later
The crime remained undiscovered for several days.
On July 29, the owner of the building reportedly received information from one of Reema’s acquaintances, who became concerned after being unable to contact her and noticing a foul smell coming from the couple’s room.
When the landlord entered the residence, he allegedly found Reema’s decomposed body wrapped in a bedsheet near the toilet. Police were immediately informed, and officers reached the scene to begin their investigation.
The disturbing discovery prompted the Kumbalgodu Police to register a case under charges of murder and destruction of evidence.
Police Tracked the Accused Across States
Following the recovery of the body, investigators launched an intensive search for Dheeraj Kumar.
Police examined CCTV footage, gathered scientific and forensic evidence, and traced the accused’s movements after he allegedly fled Bengaluru.
The investigation eventually led officers to Bihar, where Dheeraj was arrested and subsequently brought back to Bengaluru for interrogation.
During questioning, police said Dheeraj confessed to the crime and described the sequence of events leading up to the alleged murder. Investigators continue to verify every aspect of his statement with forensic evidence and witness accounts.
Investigation Continues as Police Collect Evidence
Police have stated that the investigation remains active and that additional scientific evidence is being examined to strengthen the case.
Officials are also working to establish a complete timeline of events, verify digital evidence, and record statements from individuals connected to the couple.
Authorities have not yet disclosed whether additional charges may be added as the investigation progresses.
The case has once again drawn attention to incidents of domestic violence that end in fatal consequences. While investigators continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding Reema Kumari’s death, police have urged the public not to draw conclusions beyond the evidence currently available. The final determination of guilt will rest with the judicial process after all evidence is presented before the court.