Bengaluru Crime: Retired ISRO Scientist Arrested for Alleged Wife’s Murder

Updated: Wednesday, February 18, 2026, 16:50 [IST]

A chilling domestic crime shook Bengaluru on Wednesday after a 65-year-old retired employee of the Indian Space Research Organisation was arrested for allegedly murdering his wife inside their apartment, police said.

The incident was reported around 11 am within the limits of Avalahalli police station. The accused, identified as Nageshwar Rao, is alleged to have strangled his wife, Sandya Sri, using a towel at their residence in the Bommehalli area.

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In Bengaluru, Nageshwar Rao, a 65-year-old retired ISRO employee, was arrested for allegedly strangling his wife, Sandya Sri, at their Bommehalli residence; Rao, who was under severe mental stress and undergoing treatment for depression, reportedly contacted an acquaintance after the incident, leading to his arrest by the Avalahalli police.

According to police, the crime unfolded behind closed doors before Rao remained inside the apartment with the body. He later contacted an acquaintance, triggering an alert to the police. Officers rushed to the spot, confirmed the woman's death, and took Rao into custody.

Preliminary investigations indicate that Rao was undergoing treatment for depression and was under severe mental stress. Police said he allegedly planned to end his own life after killing his wife. "At present, there is no evidence of any external involvement. The act appears to have been committed under extreme mental distress," said Saidulu Adavath, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Whitefield).

The couple's daughter, who is currently based in the United States, has been informed about the incident.

A case of murder has been registered, and police are examining medical records, forensic evidence, and witness statements to reconstruct the sequence of events that led to the fatal act.