Uttarahalli case: Will shield children from loss, says husband of woman murdered in hotel

Asra Mavad & Ashwin BM

Bengaluru: A pall of gloom has descended over the quiet Hemmigepura residence of Dasegowda HP, 41, who is mourning the brutal death of his wife Harini R last week.

The 33-year-old was found stabbed to death at Emara Galaxy GM Royals Oyo Lodge in Uttarahalli.

As per the police report, Harini was murdered by Yashas, a 25-year-old software employee with whom she allegedly had an extramarital relationship. The police said that Harini wanted to end their three-year relationship after her family found out about it several months ago. This enraged Yashas.

Harini is survived by her husband and two daughters.

When DH visited Dasegowda on Tuesday, the daughters, aged 10 and 13, were at school. "They are unaware of the gravity of what has happened. We are trying to protect them and give them a normal life. They have been attending school regularly, and we hope none of the other students ask them about it," Dasegowda said.

The family said that Harini had followed her usual routine over the past week, showing no unusual behaviour.

Dasegowda, a farmer, has lived in the locality with his family for four decades. Harini moved in with them after their marriage in 2012. Neighbours remembered Harini as a lively person, who actively participated in community festivals and events.

Atmosphere of shock

Shock and disbelief gripped Uttarahalli 10th Main, where the Oyo lodge is located.

Residents said that the neighbourhood had always felt safe, barring a few drunken brawls and parking issues. The hotel, they told DH, had remained trouble free since it opened two years ago.

The lodge continues to receive guests, hotel manager Karthik Debnath said. On duty that night along with subordinate Prajith Das, Debnath recalled that Yashas checked in on June 6 at 5.45 pm and was later seen leaving alone with a backpack around 11 pm.

"There were no screams. It is surprising because both Room 203 and 205, on either side of Yashas and Harini (Room 204), were occupied. None of the guests heard anything. The TV in the room was not working, so it could not have drowned out any noise. There was total silence," Karthik said.

Crime scene recreated 

The police recreated the crime at the Uttarahalli hotel and in Kengeri on Tuesday afternoon.

At the hotel, Yashas displayed no emotions and even wore a smirk.

Emara Galaxy GM Royals Oyo Lodge in Uttarahalli has covered up their signboards.

During the mahazar, he demonstrated how he stabbed Harini in the neck, chest, abdomen, and back. He then stayed in the room for two hours, planned his next move, walked out with the murder weapon, and drove away.

A senior officer from the Subramanyapura police station told DH, "Since the day he surrendered, he has shown no remorse. He does not believe he has done anything wrong. Even the judge observed this behaviour before handing him over to police custody."

Yashas allegedly told the police that if Harini could not be with him, she should not be with anyone else.