Wife mixes poisonous seeds into idli batter; strangles husband later with lover’s help

Mysuru: A woman and her alleged lover have been arrested for allegedly murdering her husband by mixing poisonous datura seeds into idli batter and later strangling him to death in Hunsur.

Datura, known as ‘Datturi’ in Kannada or ‘thorn apple’ in English, is a highly poisonous plant. Its seeds and flowers contain toxic compounds that can cause severe illness and even death if ingested.

The deceased has been identified as Rama Prasad (35), a resident of Vinoba Colony in Hunsur, Mysuru district. His wife Pavithra, 30 and her alleged lover Sunil, 30, have been arrested and remanded to judicial custody.

Rama Prasad, who was reportedly healthy and had no known medical problems, died on Oct. 16. Hunsur Rural Police visited the spot following his death.

During the initial inquiry, Pavithra told the Police that she had served her husband curd rice the previous night and found him unresponsive when she woke up the next morning. Based on her statement, the Police initially registered a case of unnatural death. Suspicion arose after Rama Prasad’s brother, Chandrahas, lodged a complaint on Oct. 20, alleging foul play and seeking a thorough investigation into his brother’s death.

Hunsur Rural Police Inspector Santhosh Kashyap took up the investigation and began gathering information about the family. During the inquiry, the Police learnt that rumours of an alleged relationship between Pavithra and Sunil had been circulating in the locality.

Police also reportedly received information that Sunil had spoken about Rama Prasad’s murder among his close circle. This information eventually reached the investigators.

Although no visible signs of murder were found on Rama Prasad’s body during the initial examination, doctors reportedly raised suspicions about the cause of death during the post-mortem examination. Following these indications, the Police summoned Pavithra and Sunil for questioning.

During interrogation, Pavithra allegedly confessed to mixing crushed datura seeds into idli batter while preparing breakfast on the morning of Oct. 16 and serving it to her husband.

After consuming the food, Rama Prasad reportedly fell seriously ill. Later that night, Pavithra allegedly called Sunil to the house, where the two allegedly strangled him to death.

Hunsur Rural Police arrested both the accused and registered a murder case. They were later produced before a Court, which remanded them to judicial custody.