In a shocking incident, the partially burnt body of a 20-year-old woman was recovered in Chitradurga city, Karnataka, on Tuesday, police confirmed.
The victim, Varshitha, was a second-year BA student at Government Women’s First Grade College and resided in the SC/ST hostel. According to officials, she had applied for leave on August 14 and left the hostel premises but did not return. Her mobile phone remained switched off, making her untraceable.
Her parents, Tippeswamy and Jyothi, were preparing to lodge a missing complaint when police informed them of the discovery. They later identified her body at the district hospital.
Authorities are probing the possibility of sexual assault followed by murder. The family has informed investigators that Varshitha was in a relationship with a man, raising suspicions of his involvement. Police are pursuing all leads to confirm his role.
A case of murder has been registered at the Chitradurga Rural Police Station, and teams have been deployed to trace and arrest the accused.
Speaking to NDTV, police officials stated that the investigation is being conducted on priority, given the gruesome nature of the crime. Forensic teams have also been called in to assist in the case.
The incident has sparked outrage and concern in the district, especially among students and parents, highlighting the urgent need for stricter safety measures for young women in hostels and educational institutions.