Retired ISRO official strangles wife with towel over fear about her future after his death

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A retired Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) official reportedly strangled his wife to death using a towel at their Bengaluru residence and then waited at the crime scene till he was arrested.

The accused, Nageshwar Rao, was battling depression and had resolved to end his life. But before committing suicide, he ended up killed his wife Sandya Sri out of fear of leaving her alone if he died.

The incident was reported around 11am within the Avalahalli police station limits.

"He was reportedly undergoing treatment for depression and was distressed. He allegedly intended to take his life after the incident, which is why he attacked his wife. There appear to be no other major reasons," said Saidulu Adavath, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Whitefield).

After the alleged attack on his wife, the 65-year-old retired ISRO official contacted an acquaintance, who alerted the police. A police team arrived at the residence and took Rao into custody.

According to Ramesh Banoth, joint commissioner of police for the East Division, a doctor who lives in the same complex examined Sandya who was lying on the floor unresponsive.

"Based on the information received, a case of murder under BNS has been registered at Avalahalli Police Station, and the accused has been taken into custody. During questioning, he did not provide coherent responses. He appears to be mentally disturbed," Banoth said.

The couple's daughter lives in the US and has been informed about the incident.

During initial interrogation, Rao reportedly told investigators, "If I die, who will take care of her? We have no relatives here. I did not want her to suffer alone."