Bengaluru was shaken by a disturbing crime after police arrested an 18-year-old man for the murder of a 34-year-old software engineer whose death was initially believed to have been caused by an accidental fire in her apartment. What was first treated as a tragic electrical mishap has now been exposed as a calculated and brutal killing, allegedly carried out after the woman refused the accused’s sexual advances.
The incident occurred on the night of January 3 at Subramanya Layout under the Ramamurthy Nagar police station limits in eastern Bengaluru. Firefighters and emergency teams had rushed to the scene after a blaze was reported inside the woman’s two-bedroom flat. She was found unconscious and later declared dead. At the time, investigators believed that she had suffocated due to smoke caused by a short circuit.
However, the case took a dramatic turn after a close friend of the victim raised doubts about the circumstances of her death. Acting on this complaint, police reopened the investigation and ordered a detailed forensic examination of the apartment. The findings revealed that the fire was not accidental but had been deliberately started to destroy evidence.
The victim, who hailed from Dakshina Kannada, was a software engineer working for a reputed technology firm in Bengaluru. She lived in the apartment with a flatmate who was away in her hometown when the incident occurred, leaving her alone in the flat on the night of the crime.
Police investigations revealed that the accused, a native of Kodagu district, lived next door with his mother. On the evening of January 3, he allegedly entered the victim’s flat through a side window around 9 pm. Once inside, he reportedly demanded sexual cooperation from the woman. When she refused and tried to resist, the accused allegedly covered her mouth and nose tightly, causing her to lose consciousness. During the struggle, she suffered minor injuries and began bleeding.
In a bid to cover up the crime, the accused is believed to have thrown the victim’s clothes and other items on the bed and set them on fire to make the incident look like an accidental blaze. He then fled the scene after allegedly taking the victim’s mobile phone.
Forensic Science Laboratory teams later examined the apartment and collected crucial technical evidence that contradicted the theory of an electrical short circuit. Based on these findings, police tracked down and arrested the suspect. He has been remanded to police custody for three days as further investigation continues.
Senior police officials confirmed that the case is now being treated as a clear case of murder following a sexual assault attempt. Investigators are gathering additional evidence to ensure that the charges hold up in court. Authorities also acknowledged the role of the victim’s friend, whose alertness helped uncover the truth behind what could have otherwise been dismissed as a tragic accident.
The case has once again raised serious concerns about women’s safety, even within their own homes. Bengaluru, a city known for its booming tech industry and modern lifestyle, has seen an alarming rise in crimes against women. Residents and activists are now calling for stronger security measures in residential complexes and faster justice for victims of such crimes.