In a chilling turn of events in Bengaluru, police have arrested an 18-year-old man in connection with the suspected premeditated murder of a 34-year-old software professional, initially thought to have died in an accidental fire. The incident, which occurred on January 3, had shocked residents of Ramamurthy Nagar, where the victim lived.

Initial Incident

The deceased, identified as Sharmila, originally from Kavoor in Mangaluru, had been living in an apartment at Subramanya Layout with a friend for about a year and a half. She worked at a private IT firm near her residence. On the day of the incident, she was on leave and alone at home, as her roommate had travelled to her hometown.

Late in the night, around 11 PM on January 3, a fire broke out in one of the rooms of the apartment, filling the house with thick smoke. Neighbours alerted authorities, and fire and emergency services rushed to the scene. While they managed to extinguish the flames and recover the victim, early investigations suggested death by suffocation due to a short-circuit-induced fire.

“At first glance, everything pointed towards an accidental fire caused by an electrical short circuit. There were no visible signs of foul play,” said GJ Sathish, Inspector of Ramamurthy Nagar Police.

Forensic Findings Reveal Planned Murder

However, the initial conclusion of an accidental fire was later challenged by forensic evidence. The post-mortem reportand detailed analysis by the Forensic Science Laboratory revealed inconsistencies, leading investigators to suspect that the fire had been deliberately set to destroy evidence.

“As the investigation progressed, it became clear that this was not an accident but a planned murder made to look like a fire mishap. The accused attempted to create a false narrative of an electrical fire to mislead investigators,” Sathish said.

The Arrest and Motive

The police arrested Karnal Kurai, a neighbour of Sharmila and a resident of Kerala, on Sunday. He had reportedly known the victim for nearly two years. Preliminary investigation suggests that the murder stemmed from his obsession with the victim, although the exact motive is still being probed.

“Evidence suggests the accused had planned the murder in advance and used fire as a cover-up,” the officer added. The arrest was made after a thorough investigation using technical and circumstantial evidence, including forensic findings, witness accounts, and surveillance analysis.

Crime Method

According to police, Kurai entered Sharmila’s apartment through a sliding window around 9 PM with the intention of seeking sexual favors. When she resisted, he allegedly forcefully covered her mouth and nose, leaving her semi-conscious, and caused injuries during the struggle. To conceal the crime, he allegedly set the bedroom on fire, placing the victim’s clothes and other incriminating items on the mattress before fleeing. He also allegedly stole her mobile phone to further mislead investigators.

“The planning and execution indicate premeditation. The fire was clearly used as a cover-up to mislead authorities,” said Sathish.

Ongoing Investigation

Karnal Kurai is currently being interrogated to determine the precise sequence of events, the motive, and whether he had any accomplices. Police are also examining digital evidence, CCTV footage, and the crime scene to corroborate his confession and strengthen the case.

Authorities have said that further details will be shared once the investigation and questioning are complete. This case has drawn attention not only for the gruesome nature of the crime but also for the initial misclassification as an accidental fire, highlighting the importance of forensic science in uncovering premeditated crimes disguised as accidents.

Public Reaction

The incident has left the local community shaken. Neighbours expressed disbelief that a young man living in the same complex could commit such a crime. The case has also reignited discussions about the safety of women in urban housing complexes and the importance of vigilance in neighbourhoods.

The Bengaluru police have assured residents that the case is being investigated with utmost seriousness, and steps are being taken to ensure that justice is delivered swiftly.