Over two decades ago, a romantic evening turned into a chilling tragedy in Bengaluru, marking one of the city’s most disturbing murders. In 2003, 27-year-old software engineer B V Girish, recently engaged to 21-year-old law student Shubha, was bludgeoned to death near HAL airport—just days after their engagement.
On December 3, after dinner, the couple stopped near the airport to watch planes. Suddenly, an assailant struck Girish fatally. Shubha, who was beside him, screamed for help. Armyman Sujesh Kumar rushed Girish to the hospital, but it was too late. Shubha claimed it was a robbery attempt due to her visible jewellery.
The case took an unexpected turn when call records revealed Shubha’s frequent contact with Arun Verma, a 19-year-old junior at her college. Investigations uncovered a secret relationship between them. Shubha was allegedly unhappy about her arranged marriage and, with Arun and his cousin Dinakar, conspired to eliminate Girish. Dinakar hired Venkatesh, who murdered Girish for a mere ₹1,500 and a mobile phone.
In January 2004, all four were arrested. In 2010, a special court convicted them of murder and conspiracy, sentencing them to life imprisonment. Shubha was given an additional three years for evidence tampering. In 2023, the Supreme Court upheld the convictions but allowed Shubha to file a mercy plea, observing that the crime stemmed from poor judgment, not inherent criminality.
Girish’s family, especially his sister Sunitha, fought relentlessly for justice. Their pursuit ensured the case saw closure, with the verdict echoing across Karnataka’s legal history.