Bantwal: Police have arrested Chetan, the accused in the brutal daylight murder of a young woman at the KSRTC bus stand in B C Road, within 24 hours of the incident. The arrest marks a major breakthrough in the high-profile case that shocked Dakshina Kannada district after the victim was hacked to death in full public view on Thursday evening.
The accused was traced to Pacchanady in Vamanjoor near Mangaluru on Friday. According to police, Chetan had allegedly consumed poison before he was apprehended. He was immediately shifted to a government hospital for medical examination and treatment. Officials said further details regarding the investigation and legal proceedings will be shared after his condition is assessed.
The murder, which took place in a crowded public area, has triggered widespread outrage and renewed concerns over crimes against women and public safety.
Accused traced near Mangaluru
Police launched an intensive search operation immediately after the incident, deploying multiple teams to track down the accused.
Investigators successfully located Chetan at Pacchanady in Vamanjoor, on the outskirts of Mangaluru, less than a day after the crime. During the operation, officers found that he had allegedly consumed poison.
He was taken into custody and shifted under police security to a government hospital, where he is receiving medical attention. Police have not yet disclosed his medical condition but confirmed that he remains under their watch.
Authorities said more information, including details of the investigation and subsequent legal action, will be released after preliminary procedures are completed.
Victim worked at private nursing home
The victim, Lavanya, was around 25 years old and hailed from Kakyapadavu in Bantwal taluk. She was employed at a private nursing home in Kalladka and was returning home after completing her work when the attack occurred.
According to the police, Lavanya boarded a government bus from B C Road at around 5.30 pm on Thursday to travel back to Kakyapadavu.
The accused allegedly entered the bus, forcibly dragged her outside and attacked her repeatedly with a machete in front of commuters and passers-by.
Despite her desperate attempt to escape, she was unable to evade the assault. She collapsed after sustaining grievous injuries.
Local residents and bystanders rushed her to the government hospital, but doctors declared her dead on arrival.
Preliminary probe points to rejected advances
Police said preliminary investigations indicate that the crime was allegedly motivated by the victim’s refusal to resume a relationship with the accused.
According to family members, Lavanya and Chetan had been in a relationship about four years ago. However, they later separated for reasons that have not been disclosed publicly.
Even after the relationship ended, Chetan allegedly continued to harass Lavanya and repeatedly pressured her to reconcile.
Investigators suspect that her continued rejection of his advances may have led to the fatal attack.
Police are examining the history of interactions between the two as part of the ongoing investigation.
Eyewitnesses recount final moments
Eyewitnesses told police that Lavanya and Chetan were seen arguing shortly before the attack.
Moments later, the accused allegedly assaulted her with a machete in broad daylight, creating panic among commuters at the KSRTC bus stand.
The shocking nature of the incident left bystanders stunned, with many attempting to help the victim immediately after the assault.
The daylight killing in a busy public place has once again highlighted concerns over violence against women and the need for swift intervention in cases involving persistent harassment.
Investigation continues
Police have registered a case and are continuing their investigation to establish the complete sequence of events leading to the murder.
Investigators are collecting statements from eyewitnesses, family members and other individuals connected to the case. They are also expected to examine available CCTV footage and other evidence to strengthen the prosecution.
Further action will depend on the accused’s medical condition following his alleged poisoning.
Conclusion
The arrest of the accused within 24 hours has provided a significant breakthrough in the investigation into Lavanya’s murder. As police continue to gather evidence and determine the full circumstances behind the crime, the case has reignited discussions on the importance of addressing stalking, harassment and violence against women before they escalate into fatal incidents.