Bengaluru Police Recover Skeletal Remains of Woman Dead for One Year in Solitary Home
Authorities in Havanur Layout discovered the remains of 57-year-old Dakshayani after neighbors reported a suspicious odor. The investigation suggests she lived in isolation for years following a long battle with schizophrenia and the loss of family members.
Key takeaways
- Police found the remains of 57-year-old Dakshayani in her Bengaluru home on August 7, 2026.
- Investigators estimate the woman had been dead for roughly one year before neighbors reported a foul smell.
- The deceased suffered from chronic schizophrenia and had lived alone since 2017 following the death of her caregiver.
- An Unnatural Death Report has been filed under Section 194 of the BNSS while police determine the official cause of death.

Discovery at Havanur Layout
Bengaluru police recovered the skeletal remains of 57-year-old Dakshayani from her residence in northwest Bengaluru’s Havanur Layout on Friday, August 7, 2026. Investigators believe the woman may have been deceased for approximately one year before her body was found. The discovery occurred after a neighbor noticed a foul odor emanating from the property and contacted the police helpline.
Background
Dakshayani had lived in isolation for several years. According to police statements, her reclusive nature and history of extended absences meant neighbors did not initially find her disappearance unusual. "The deceased was not very friendly and used to scold people when they approached her," a senior officer noted, adding that she frequently locked her home to travel for months at a time. This behavior led residents to assume she was simply away from the premises.
Family testimony provided by her younger brother, Mahesh Basappa Goravanakolla, indicates that Dakshayani’s mental health began to decline following the death of her son in 2005. Medical professionals in Shivamogga diagnosed her with schizophrenia in 2010, leading to a four-month stay at a rehabilitation center. While family members initially provided care, Dakshayani chose to live alone in 2017 after the passing of her primary caregiver. Although her daughter and son-in-law visited periodically, Dakshayani reportedly maintained distance due to fears of being re-institutionalized.
Key Facts
- Deceased: Dakshayani, 57, a resident near Nagasandra.
- Date of Discovery: Friday, August 7, 2026.
- Legal Status: Police registered an Unnatural Death Report (UDR) under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
- Medical History: Diagnosed with schizophrenia in 2010 following a 2005 family tragedy.
What Happens Next
Law enforcement officials are currently conducting further proceedings to establish the exact timeline and circumstances surrounding the death. Mahesh Goravanakolla informed authorities he does not suspect foul play. Once the necessary legal and forensic protocols are finalized, the family intends to proceed with the last rites.
Source: The Hindu — National
Related stories

Police Arrest Ugandan National in Bengaluru After Intercepting Chittoor Narcotics Route
Discrepancies Emerge in Karnataka Electoral Revision Amid Claims of Total Form Delivery

Psychiatrist Details Lindsay Clancy’s Deteriorating Mental State Before Fatal Incident

