Five Skeletons Found in Karnataka Home

Family's Last Sighting in 2019 Deepens the Mystery…

In a disturbing incident echoing a horror film plot, the police found the skeletal remains of five family members at their Chitradurga residence.

The individuals are suspected to be Jagannath Reddy (85), a retired government executive engineer, his wife Prema (80), daughter Triveni (62), and sons Krishna (60) and Narendra (57), according to authorities.

A conclusive identification awaits forensic examination, with an autopsy planned to establish the cause of death. Last seen in 2019, their residence has remained locked since then, as reported by the police on Friday.

According to locals, the family members were known for their privacy and struggled with significant health issues.

During the house search, authorities found an undated and unsigned note in Kannada, hinting at the family's contemplation of a drastic decision.

Police found out about the incident on Thursday. According to a senior officer, the family, known for their reclusive lifestyle and health issues, was last seen in June-July 2019.

The house, always locked, had a broken main door noticed around two months ago by a passerby who didn't report it to the cops.

Authorities noted signs of multiple break-ins at the house. Four skeletons were discovered in one room, with two on beds and two on the floor. Additionally, another skeleton was found in a different room.

Forensic experts from Davanagere were summoned to gather evidence, and the crime scene has been sealed to prevent tampering.

The exact cause of death, whether suicide or otherwise, remains unclear in the initial stages of the investigation.

A definitive determination will only be possible after the completion of forensic examination and autopsy, according to the officer.

Home Minister G Parameshwara has directed the police to determine the identities and investigate how long the family's absence went unnoticed in the neighborhood.

Samples have been sent to a forensic science lab to determine age and other details. The authorities are gathering information about the house ownership and its occupants.

The minister emphasized that whether the deaths were due to suicide or foul play is under investigation, and no conclusions can be drawn until then.