Bengaluru, January 12, 2026: Bengaluru police have arrested an 18-year-old neighbour, identified as Karnal Kurai, in connection with the premeditated murder of a 34-year-old software professional, Sharmila, whose body was found in her apartment in Ramamurthy Nagar last week.

Initial Misleading Assessment

Sharmila’s death was initially thought to be accidental, caused by a fire triggered by an electrical short circuit. Firefighters had responded to the blaze around 11 PM on January 3, and her body was discovered in thick smoke. At first, police saw no signs of foul play.

How the Investigation Changed

Forensic analysis and the post-mortem report raised red flags. Investigators noted inconsistencies at the scene, indicating that the fire had been deliberately set to destroy evidence. Police said strong technical and circumstantial evidenceultimately led to Karnal Kurai’s arrest.

The Motive and Crime

The teen reportedly entered Sharmila’s apartment around 9 PM on January 3 through a sliding window with the intent of forcing sexual favours. When she resisted:

• He allegedly covered her mouth and nose, rendering her semi-conscious.
• The struggle caused bleeding injuries.
• He then set fire to her clothes and materials on the bedroom mattress to destroy evidence.
• He also stole her mobile phone while fleeing.

The accused confessed to the crime, admitting that the fire was staged to mislead investigators.

Legal Action

Karnal Kurai has been booked under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including sections:

• 103(1) – Murder
• 64(2), 66, 238 – Destruction of evidence

Victim Background

Sharmila, originally from Kavoor, Mangaluru, lived in the apartment for one-and-a-half years with a friend who was away at the time of the incident. She worked for Accenture and had been on leave when the crime occurred.

Police Statement: “Evidence suggests the accused had planned the murder in advance and used fire as a cover-up. This was a deliberate act, not an accident,” said Inspector GJ Sathish of Ramamurthy Nagar Police.

This case has shocked the local community, highlighting the danger posed by neighbours exploiting personal accessand the importance of forensic investigations in distinguishing accidents from deliberate crimes.