A grim discovery in a Karnataka coffee plantation has unravelled a complex murder plot spanning multiple states, leading to three arrests in connection with the death of a 54-year-old businessman.

Telangana woman kills husband over Rs 8 crore money

The charred remains of Ramesh, a Telangana-based businessman, were found on October 8 in a coffee plantation near Suntikoppa, Kodagu district.

The breakthrough in the case came when investigators traced a red Mercedes Benz spotted in CCTV footage to the victim, whose wife had recently filed a missing person report.

The investigation led to the arrest of three suspects: Niharika P (29), the victim’s wife; Nikhil (28), a veterinary doctor reportedly in a relationship with Niharika; and Ankur, whom Niharika had met during a previous imprisonment for financial fraud in Haryana.

How was the murder executed?

According to police, the murder was motivated by financial gain. Niharika, who had married Ramesh after a previous failed marriage, allegedly demanded Rs 8 crore from him. When he refused, investigators say she conspired with Nikhil and Ankur to kill him and gain access to his wealth.

The murder took place on October 1 in Uppal, Hyderabad, where the businessman was choked to death. The suspects allegedly stole cash from his residence before embarking on an 800-kilometre journey to Kodagu. There, they disposed of the body in a coffee estate, covering it with a blanket before setting it ablaze.

What did the Telangana police say?

Kodagu Police Chief Ramarajan described the investigation as particularly challenging. “Everything had been destroyed,” he said. “Prima facie, we determined that the body had been burned 3-4 days before the complaint was registered. Our crime team began investigating suspicious activities in the area. They discovered that on Saturday, a vehicle was moving suspiciously in the area between 12 am and 2 am.”

The investigation required extensive technical surveillance, with police examining footage from 500 CCTV cameras reaching Tumkur. “With all the technical evidence, we could trace a vehicle from Telangana belonging to a businessman named Ramesh,” Ramarajan added.

Niharika & her past:

The case has revealed details about Niharika’s troubled past. She lost her father at 16, and despite excelling academically and completing an engineering degree, she faced personal setbacks including a failed first marriage. Her subsequent marriage to Ramesh, also his second, provided her with a luxurious lifestyle before the relationship allegedly turned deadly.

“Based on our investigation, we have arrested several suspects, identified as Niharika, aged 29, and veterinary doctor Nikhil, aged 28,” confirmed Ramarajan. “Niharika is the prime suspect; she allegedly murdered Ramesh, the owner of the car. Niharika, along with Nikhil and another accomplice, Ankur, together murdered him and disposed of the body.”

The suspects are now in custody as the investigation continues.