A man in Karnataka's Belagavi district has been arrested for allegedly murdering his wife in a premeditated crime that police say was motivated by his desire to continue a relationship with another woman. The accused, identified as Santosh Patayat, allegedly killed his wife, Sakkubai Patayat, and later attempted to disguise the incident as a road accident. The case has shocked residents of the region and prompted a detailed police investigation.

According to investigators, Santosh took his wife, a resident of Shindikurabet village in Gokak taluk, to the Chamundeshwari Temple in Marakumbi village of Bailhongal taluk during the auspicious Adhika Masa period. Police said that while returning from the temple, he allegedly mixed rat poison and powdered bangle fragments into a soft drink and persuaded Sakkubai to consume it, claiming it was temple prasadam. Authorities believe the act was carefully planned to avoid suspicion.

Police allege that after the victim began losing consciousness due to the poisoned drink, Santosh strangled her on the roadside. Investigators said he then staged the scene to resemble a traffic accident by throwing a motorcycle onto her body. He reportedly remained near the location for several hours before contacting the police control room and reporting the incident, apparently in an effort to support his version of events.

Also Read: Teen Shot, Dozens Arrested During Knicks Victory Celebrations In New York

However, inconsistencies in the circumstances surrounding the death raised suspicion among investigators. The body was subsequently sent for post-mortem examination at the Belagavi Institute of Medical Sciences (BIMS). Preliminary findings reportedly indicated that the death was not caused by a road accident but was instead a case of homicide. The medical evidence became a crucial factor in the direction of the investigation.

During questioning, Santosh allegedly confessed to the crime and told investigators that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with another woman. Police said the couple had been married for nine years, while the accused had allegedly been involved in a relationship with a widow from his village for the past four years. Investigators are examining the nature of that relationship and its possible connection to the crime.

Santosh Patayat has been arrested and lodged in Hindalga Jail pending further legal proceedings. Police officials said the investigation remains ongoing and will focus on determining whether any other individual had prior knowledge of, assisted in, or was involved in the alleged murder. Authorities are also gathering additional evidence and witness statements as the case moves forward through the judicial process.

Also Read: Four Arrested As MP Police Probe Alleged Sleeper Cell Module Across States