After evading arrest for over two decades, a 75-year-old man has been apprehended by police in Karnataka’s Gangavati for the murder of his wife.
The accused, Hanumanthappa, was arrested on Thursday by Gangavati police for killing his third wife, Renukamma, back in 2002. He had been on the run since the incident.
Police said the murder took place in the Koppal district in 2002. Following the crime, Hanumanthappa stuffed his wife’s body in a gunny bag and carried it by bus to Kampli in Ballari district, located about 50–70 km east of Koppal. Kampli lies near the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hampi.
The case was initially registered at the Gangavati Town Police Station. Gangavati, the largest city in Koppal district by area and population, is often referred to as the ‘Rice Bowl of Karnataka’.
The arrest was made in Hanumanthappa’s native village, Haladhal (also spelled Aldhal), in Manvi taluk of Raichur district. He had recently returned to the village, which lies roughly 40–50 km southwest of Raichur city, 100–120 km east of Koppal, and 70–90 km northeast of Kampli, where the body was dumped.
The case spans multiple jurisdictions in Karnataka, with the murder in Koppal, the body disposal in Ballari, and the arrest in Raichur, marking the end of Hanumanthappa’s 23-year run from justice.