A 33-year-old software engineer accused of stabbing his parents to death inside their villa in Vignan Nagar has been referred for psychiatric evaluation at National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), police said.
The accused, Rohan Bhat, was arrested by officers from HAL Police Station on Wednesday. Instead of being taken into police custody, he has been sent for mental health assessment after investigators observed erratic behaviour and contradictory statements during questioning.
The victims have been identified as former merchant navy captain Naveen Chandra and his wife Shyamala, a dentist. They were found with multiple stab wounds inside their home in Vignan Nagar, near HAL Township.
Contradictory statements, unclear motive
Police said circumstantial evidence points towards Rohan’s involvement, but the exact motive remains unclear. During interrogation, he reportedly gave varying reasons for the alleged altercation — at one point claiming his father refused to give him ₹4 lakh for a project, and at another stating the dispute was over a mobile number in a family plan.
Officers also noted apparent mood swings. Preliminary assessment suggests he may be suffering from schizophrenia, a serious mental health condition marked by disorganised thinking and behaviour.
Incident unfolded early morning
According to investigators, the couple had returned from Bhubaneswar on Monday. An argument allegedly broke out early Wednesday morning when Naveen was preparing for a walk. Police say Rohan later used a kitchen knife in the attack.
Neighbours alerted authorities around 7.30 am after hearing a commotion. The couple were rushed to Manipal Hospital but were declared dead on arrival.
Police said further questioning will continue after medical evaluation and after the accused’s sister arrives from the United States. The investigation is ongoing.