65-yr-old Retired ISRO Employee Arrested for Killing Wife

February 18, 2026

A 65-year-old retired employee of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) was arrested on Wednesday after allegedly strangling his wife to death with a towel at their residence in Avalahalli, Bengaluru. Police said the shocking incident unfolded around 11 am.

The deceased has been identified as Sandya Sri, while the accused, Nageshwar Rao, was taken into police custody soon after the crime was reported.

 Possible Mental Health Struggle Behind Crime

Preliminary police investigations suggest Rao was undergoing treatment for depression at the time of the incident. While questioning, officers said he appeared distressed and mentally disturbed, with early indications pointing to mental health struggles as a possible factor in the case.

Police also revealed that Rao contacted an acquaintance after the alleged killing, prompting the acquaintance to alert authorities. When police reached the flat, Rao was still at the scene and was immediately taken into custody.

 Family Informed, Murder Case Registered

The couple’s daughter, who lives in the United States, has been informed about the incident, police said, and a murder case has been registered at the Avalahalli police station. Officers are conducting a detailed investigation to establish the exact sequence of events and circumstances leading up to the killing.

Police are also probing the mental health aspects and motivation behind the act as part of the ongoing legal process.