Bengaluru triple murder: Engineer used AI tool to plan killings, police say
In a case that has raised concerns about the use of artificial intelligence in violent crimes, the Bengaluru police have disclosed that a 25-year-old engineer repeatedly consulted an AI tool while planning the murder of his partner's family. Kenneth, the accused, and his live-in partner Shwetha Somasundar, 25, were arrested on June 24 and 26 respectively for the murders of Shwetha's parents and younger sister.
The victims were Muthulakshmi S, 48, Somasundar, 54, and Supriya, 20. The killings took place on June 22 at the K R Puram apartment where the couple lived. According to police sources, Kenneth used the AI tool over six months to research methods of killing, cleaning blood, and disposing of bodies.
Police said the tool provided information on the pros and cons of incinerating bodies, which Kenneth planned to do using a furnace originally intended for a cloud kitchen venture. The couple is also accused of stealing cash and ornaments from the victims' home before fleeing to Puducherry.
The investigation revealed that Shwetha harboured resentment towards her mother, whom she described as controlling, and feared being forced to repay loans. The father, Somasundar, gave a dying declaration naming the accused before succumbing to injuries. Both accused are from middle-class families and are currently in judicial custody.
The Bengaluru police have requested the AI tool's parent company to provide chat logs to strengthen the digital evidence. The case highlights the potential misuse of technology in the absence of human guidance, as the accused did not consult any friends or family during the planning.
