The Chilling Murder of Bhaskar Shetty: July 28, 2016.

Bhaskar Shetty, a wealthy businessman from Udupi, Karnataka, was widely known for his success in the Gulf and his respectable standing in society. From the outside, his life seemed enviable—money, status, and a beautiful home. But behind this façade lay a deeply disturbing story that would unravel into one of the most chilling family murder cases in recent Indian history.

Bhaskar had returned from Saudi Arabia after making his fortune. He built a thriving business in Udupi that included a jewelry showroom and real estate investments. People admired his disciplined work ethic, business acumen, and reputation. He had provided a comfortable lifestyle for his family, yet that very family—his wife and son—would later be accused of orchestrating his brutal murder.

Bhaskar’s relationship with his wife, Rajeshwari, was far from ideal. Over time, the cracks in their marriage deepened, with Bhaskar often away from home due to his business travels. Rajeshwari reportedly began an extramarital affair with Niranjan Bhat, a local astrologer and family friend. This relationship was said to grow stronger in Bhaskar’s absence, and eventually, Niranjan played a pivotal role in the sinister plot that would unfold.

Tensions at home intensified. Bhaskar, suspicious of Rajeshwari’s relationship with Niranjan, started distancing himself from her. The couple’s disagreements grew more volatile, and he allegedly threatened to take action against both Rajeshwari and Niranjan. Fearing that Bhaskar might legally strip her of assets or initiate a divorce, Rajeshwari, along with her son Navaneeth and Niranjan, began plotting his murder.

On August 3, 2016, Bhaskar was reported missing. Initially, Rajeshwari claimed that he had gone out and never returned. But investigators grew suspicious when Bhaskar’s phone was turned off and there was no activity on his bank accounts or business operations. Family friends noticed Rajeshwari’s unusually calm behavior and contradictory statements, prompting the police to dig deeper.

As the investigation progressed, shocking details began to emerge. Police discovered that Bhaskar had been murdered in his own house. According to the charges, he was beaten with a rod and strangled by his wife and son with the help of Niranjan. What was most horrifying, however, was what happened to the body.

The accused allegedly transported Bhaskar’s body to Niranjan’s home, where a ritualistic homa kunda (a sacred fire pit used for religious rituals) was prepared in advance. They reportedly performed a fire ritual and attempted to burn the body completely, aiming to destroy all evidence. This act—burning a human body under the pretense of a religious ritual—was not only gruesome but deeply disturbing. Some reports also suggest that chemicals may have been used to hasten the decomposition.

Despite their careful planning, their attempts to cover up the murder failed. Neighbors recalled strange smells and smoke coming from Niranjan’s house on the night of the murder. Moreover, Bhaskar’s sudden disappearance without any communication to his employees or relatives raised red flags. Under pressure, some of the co-conspirators cracked and began confessing. Eventually, all three—Rajeshwari, Navaneeth, and Niranjan—were arrested and charged with murder, destruction of evidence, and criminal conspiracy.

The court proceedings were intense and closely followed by the media. Prosecutors presented forensic reports, CCTV footage, and witness testimonies to reconstruct the crime. Ashes from the ritual site were examined, and investigators recovered charred bone fragments, believed to be Bhaskar’s remains. DNA tests were conducted to verify the identity of the remains, further strengthening the case against the accused.

Public outrage followed. The community was shocked that a mother and son could plan and execute such a heinous crime against their own husband and father. The involvement of an astrologer who misused religious symbols and rituals added a sinister layer to the entire case. People debated whether greed for property and wealth could truly push family members to such extreme ends.