Bengaluru City Police have arrested five people in connection with the murder of an elderly woman, Vijayalakshmi, who was intentionally run over on April 21 on Pipeline Road in Kurubarahalli to facilitate a robbery. The incident, initially reported as a road accident, was uncovered as a premeditated attack after a detailed investigation revealed a coordinated plot involving a staged collision and attempted house theft.

Police identified the suspects as Rakesh, Manjunath, Chetan, Pradeep, and Yohan, with Chetan having prior acquaintance with the victim and knowledge of cash and gold at her residence. Rakesh allegedly rammed his motorcycle into Vijayalakshmi, while others arrived in an autorickshaw to feign rescue; during the commotion, Manjunath stole her house key and later attempted to break in, fleeing when challenged by neighbours.

Investigators traced the conspiracy after Vijayalakshmi's relative filed a complaint about the attempted burglary, prompting a review of CCTV footage that exposed the coordinated deception, including Rakesh’s false complaint to traffic police. Vijayalakshmi died from her injuries during hospital treatment, and police have filed charges including murder and criminal conspiracy.

One of the accused, Manjunath, died in police custody due to illness while undergoing hospital treatment, police said. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities examining further evidence and witness statements to establish the full extent of the conspiracy.