The Byappanahalli police are claiming to have cracked the murder case of 61-year-old K T Lalitha Murthy who was found smothered to death Tuesday morning. The police have arrested M Nataraj, who works as a driver in the city. His wife was working as a sweeper at Bhaktha Pearl Apartments in G M Palya, where Lalitha used to stay.


The killer: Nataraj sneaked intou00a0Lalitha's house while she was watching
TV, killed her, and made away with the valuables

Lalitha had been staying alone on the first floor of a rented apartment since many years. The apartment complex also has a commercial block. Her maid Radhamma discovered Lalitha's body at 8 am, following which, she immediately informed the police.

A police official said, "Around 9 pm Nataraj went to Lalitha's house, and found her watching TV. He sneaked in and killed her, and made away with the valuables. He had even taken away the gold chain which she was wearing."

Because her wife worked as a sweeper in the building, Nataraj knew that Radhamma used to stay alone, and that her son lives abroad and earns well.

"He had suffered a loss in his money laundering business, and had to take several loans to pay off his debts. That is why he planned to kill Radhamma," said a police official.