Bengaluru: A 33-year-old software engineer has been arrested for allegedly stabbing his parents to death at their residence in Vignan Nagar in Bengaluru following a family dispute. The victims are a retired Navy officer and a practising dentist, police said.
The incident took place on Tuesday morning inside the family’s apartment, sending shockwaves through the residential neighbourhood. Police have registered a double murder case and are questioning the accused to establish the precise motive and sequence of events.
Victims identified as retired Navy captain and dentist
Bengaluru police identified the deceased as Naveen Chandra Bhat (60), a retired Navy Captain, and his wife Dr Shyamala Bhat (55), a dentist.
According to investigators, both sustained multiple stab injuries during the attack inside their home. Neighbours alerted emergency services after learning about the incident, and the couple was rushed to Manipal Hospital for treatment.
However, doctors declared both victims dead on arrival, police sources confirmed.
Son arrested at the scene
Bengaluru police said the accused, Rohan Chandra Bhat (33), the couple’s son and a software professional, was taken into custody shortly after the incident. A knife suspected to have been used in the attack has been recovered.
Preliminary inquiry indicates that a family dispute preceded the assault, though officers said the exact trigger is still under investigation. Statements from neighbours, first responders and relatives are being recorded.
Police registered a murder case based on complaints filed by an apartment resident and a doctor from the hospital where the victims were taken.
Investigation under way into motive
Bengaluru investigators are examining the background of the dispute, the mental and emotional state of the accused, and any recent developments within the family that may have contributed to the violence.
Forensic teams visited the apartment to collect material evidence, document the scene and secure samples. Digital devices and communication records may also be analysed as part of the probe.
Police officials said the accused is being interrogated and will be produced before a magistrate as per procedure. Further sections may be added depending on forensic and medical reports.
Neighbours report shock and distress
Residents of the Vignan Nagar apartment complex said the family was known in the community and the news came as a major shock. Neighbours described the victims as polite and professionally active, with no visible signs of serious conflict in recent times.
Some residents reported hearing a disturbance earlier in the day but said they did not initially realise the gravity of the situation until emergency vehicles arrived.
Daughter travelling from United States
Police said the couple’s daughter, who lives in the United States, has been informed and is travelling to India. She is expected to arrive shortly. Authorities are coordinating with relatives regarding further formalities.
Counselling support may be offered to close family members given the traumatic nature of the incident, sources said.
Case registered, further steps pending
Bengaluru police have registered a case of murder and continue to gather evidence and testimonies. Post-mortem examinations are expected to confirm the number and nature of injuries and help reconstruct the assault.
Officials said more details will be shared after preliminary interrogation and forensic findings are completed.
Conclusion
The double homicide in Vignan Nagar involving a retired Navy officer and a dentist has raised serious concern about domestic conflict turning fatal. Police said the investigation is progressing and the full circumstances behind the attack will be established through evidence and questioning.