Bengaluru: A chilling murder case has emerged from the outskirts of Bengaluru, where a 40-year-old Kannada professor was allegedly killed and burnt inside a car during a trip to Nandi Hills. The accused, identified as C Ramanjinappa, a 45-year-old government employee, has been booked by police following the incident.
The victim, Saroja, a lecturer at a private college in Karnataka, was reportedly in a relationship with the accused. The incident is believed to have occurred after an argument escalated during their return from the trip.
Argument turns fatal
According to police officials, Ramanjinappa had borrowed a hatchback from a friend under the pretext of a family medical emergency. He then picked up Saroja from Devanahalli, and the two headed towards Nandi Hills for an outing.
After spending time at the popular tourist spot and nearby areas, they reportedly reached a secluded stretch near Jinkebachhahalli in Doddaballapur by afternoon. It was here that an argument broke out between the two while they were inside the vehicle.
Investigators suspect that Ramanjinappa struck Saroja on the head with a hammer during the altercation, rendering her unconscious. He then allegedly shifted her body to the back seat of the car.
Car set ablaze
Police said the accused poured petrol inside the vehicle and set it on fire in an attempt to destroy evidence. The car was soon engulfed in flames, drawing the attention of local residents.
Witnesses reported seeing a man running away from the burning vehicle, with parts of his clothes also on fire. Locals immediately alerted authorities, following which police and fire services rushed to the spot and extinguished the blaze.
Inside the charred remains of the vehicle, officials discovered a completely burnt body, later suspected to be that of Saroja.
Separate body discovery raises questions
In a parallel development, railway police reported the discovery of another mutilated body on tracks near Bidadi on Sunday morning. The body was severely damaged, with limbs severed, raising questions about its possible connection to the case.
Investigators are examining whether the two incidents are linked, though no official confirmation has been made so far.
Technology aids investigation
The case took a crucial turn when the owner of the vehicle received an automated alert indicating a possible collision involving his car. The alert, triggered by the car’s built-in safety feature, prompted him to contact Ramanjinappa.
When the accused’s phone was found switched off, the owner alerted authorities. Police then traced the vehicle through its chassis number and confirmed that it had been taken by Ramanjinappa earlier that day.
A special police team was subsequently formed to track down the suspect and piece together the sequence of events.
Complaint filed, probe continues
Meanwhile, Saroja’s husband has filed a formal complaint, accusing Ramanjinappa of murder. Police have initiated a detailed investigation and are working to establish the exact chain of events, including the motive behind the crime.
Officials are also examining forensic evidence from the crime scene and the vehicle to corroborate witness accounts and reconstruct the incident.
Conclusion
The incident has sent shockwaves across Bengaluru, highlighting the brutality of the crime and raising concerns about safety. As the investigation progresses, authorities are expected to provide further clarity on the circumstances leading to the tragic death of the professor. The case underscores the importance of swift police action and the role of technology in aiding modern-day investigations.