'How to kill, dispose bodies': Bengaluru triple murder accused turned to AI, say cops

Authorities in Bengaluru have confirmed that the accused in the June 22 triple murder case allegedly used an AI chatbot to plan the killings of Somasundar, his wife Muthulaxmi, and their 19-year-old daughter Supriya. The victims were found stabbed to death in their apartment in the Seegehalli area under the KR Puram police station limits. The accused, 25-year-old J Kenneth and his live-in partner, 24-year-old M Shwetha, were arrested separately in Puducherry days after the murders. Police have since requested access to the chat history of the accused from the AI tool provider, alleging that Kenneth used the technology extensively during the six-month planning phase of the crime. The investigation revealed that Kenneth sought guidance from the AI chatbot at multiple stages of the murder process. He reportedly asked questions related to methods of killing, disposing of bodies, removing bloodstains, and even whether a furnace he had previously bought for a proposed cloud kitchen business could be used to incinerate the victims' remains. According to police, Kenneth did not ask direct questions about committing murder but instead phrased his inquiries in more oblique terms, such as “What should I do if something like this happens?” or “How do I attack someone?” Kenneth had initially considered using the furnace to dispose of the bodies, but he later abandoned the idea due to practical concerns. Investigators noted that the furnace had originally been purchased for the cloud kitchen project, which Shwetha had allegedly funded using a loan of ₹50 lakh obtained from her parents. However, the funds were quickly depleted, leading to financial strain and prompting Kenneth to consider eliminating the family to avoid debt obligations. Police have indicated that the murders were premeditated, with Kenneth playing a central role in the planning. While Shwetha was aware of his discussions about the family, she apparently did not take them seriously, believing he was merely talking hypothetically. According to a senior police officer, Kenneth had been socially isolated and relied heavily on Shwetha for financial support, which contributed to his mental state and eventual actions. The victims' eldest daughter, Shwetha, and her partner, Kenneth, fled Bengaluru immediately after the murders and took refuge in Puducherry. They were tracked down and arrested there, with Shwetha being taken into custody on June 24 and Kenneth apprehended the following day. Police recovered cash and silver ornaments from the victims' home, which the accused allegedly stole before fleeing. Somasundar, the father of the victims, survived long enough to identify his daughter and her partner as the perpetrators. He reportedly urged police to rescue his wife and younger daughter before succumbing to his injuries in the hospital. His dying statement has been crucial in confirming the identities of the suspects. Psychological evaluations suggest that Kenneth suffered from severe social isolation, which may have exacerbated his mental health issues. Shwetha, too, appears to have become increasingly detached from her previous life, losing her job in the IT sector and cutting ties with friends and family. Police believe that the couple's relationship and financial pressures played a significant role in the tragedy. The case has raised serious concerns about the potential misuse of AI technologies in criminal activities. Authorities are now working closely with the AI company to retrieve the chat history of the accused, hoping to gather additional evidence that could confirm the extent of Kenneth's reliance on the chatbot. The investigation is ongoing, with police continuing to examine all possible angles of the crime.