Bengaluru: A chilling crime in Ramamurthy Nagar has come to light after an 18-year-old student was arrested for murdering a 34-year-old software professional following a failed sexual assault attempt. The accused, identified as Karnal, confessed during interrogation that his actions were driven by an obsessive infatuation with the victim, who lived in the same apartment complex.
Stalking and premeditation
Investigators revealed that Karnal had been monitoring the victim, Sharmila, originally from Mangaluru, for over a month. He tracked her movements to and from work, studying her routines carefully. On the night of January 3, noticing that Sharmila’s roommate was away, Karnal entered her flat through a sliding window.
According to police, he attempted to sexually assault Sharmila. When she resisted and screamed, Karnal smothered her to silence her. He then set her on fire using tissue paper in a bid to cover up the crime before fleeing through the balcony, taking her mobile phone with him.
Investigation uncovers the truth
Initially, the fire was suspected to have been caused by a short circuit. However, forensic teams from the FSL found no evidence of electrical faults. The post-mortem report confirmed that Sharmila had died of suffocation before the fire started, indicating deliberate homicide.
Suspicion fell on Karnal when police noticed the sliding window was open and Sharmila’s mobile phone was missing. Tracking the phone revealed Karnal had fled his home immediately after the crime. During interrogation, the teenager, a former academic topper who had dropped out of PUC, confessed to the murder and admitted he had tried to make it appear as an accidental fire.
A calculated and violent act
The case exposed a premeditated and calculated crime. Karnal had spent weeks planning the act, studying Sharmila’s daily movements, and choosing a moment when her apartment was least occupied. Police described the murder as cold-blooded, noting that the fire was intended to destroy evidence and mislead investigators.
Experts noted that the crime illustrates how obsession can escalate into lethal violence, even in seemingly safe residential spaces. The use of forensic techniques, tracking of the victim’s smartphone, and careful post-mortem analysis were critical in revealing the true sequence of events.
Community shock and safety concerns
Residents of the apartment complex expressed shock and fear over the incident, highlighting the need for greater vigilance and security measures in residential areas. Authorities have urged tenants to remain alert, avoid sharing personal routines publicly, and ensure entry points are secure.
Conclusion
Sharmila’s tragic death in Ramamurthy Nagar underscores the dangers posed by predatory behaviour, even from someone living close by. What appeared initially as an accidental fire was revealed to be a meticulously planned act of violence, reminding communities and law enforcement alike that safety, vigilance, and timely forensic intervention are essential to prevent and solve such heinous crimes.