The victim, Gayathri, was working in the legal cell of a private bank was on her way to he work around 8.45 am on a two-wheeler when two masked assailants attacked her with swords at Vijay Rangan Layout in Sakamma Garden, Jayanagar. An eye-witness told Deccan Herald that the duo chased her for some distance even as victim’s father, Balram, watched helplessly. Gayathri collapsed in front of transformer. Soon after the two escaped in a four-wheeler before public could react. However, Balram, who owns Saraswati Engineering Works, managed to note down the vehicle registration number.

The police suspect role of Gayathri’s husband, Raju alias Thopraj in the crime. He is a rowdy-sheeter and is wanted in more than a dozen cases. He had fell in love and married Gayathri, a year ago.

A senior police officer recalled that Raju abducted Gayathri before tying the knot. Within few months of marriage, he demanded Rs 10 lakh and attacked his father-in-law. Following a complaint, he was sent to jail and was out on bail.

It is said that Balram, with the intention of ensuring peace, gave Rs 4 lakh to his son-in-law apart from investing in a business. But soon, Raju claimed to be bankrupt. Gayathri who was staying in Thayagrajnagar with Raju, moved to her parents’ house, as Raju’s harassment continued. Quite often, Raju landed their doorstep and created scenes. He had also taken a vow to eliminate the entire family.

Gayathri had met many IPS officers and had sought police protection. But the officers ignored her requests .

Interestingly, Raju, with several warrants pending against him, surrendered to Basavanagudi police on Monday. He was remanded in judicial custody. His wife was hacked to death the very next day.

The police will apply for body warrant against Raju for interrogation.