Mysuru: A shocking case of suspected murder has come to light in Saligrama taluk, Mysuru district, where a 20-year-old woman was found dead under mysterious circumstances inside a lodge room in Bherya village, about 55 km from Mysuru city. The incident occurred on Saturday, leaving the region in shock.
Victim found with severe facial injuries
The victim, identified as Darshitha, a married woman with a two-year-old child, was discovered lying in a pool of blood with her mouth and right side of her face ripped open. Police suspect she may have been killed using a pressure-triggering device or by electrocution.
A two-metre electric cable recovered from the room has strengthened suspicions that she may have been electrocuted by forcibly inserting the cable into her mouth before the power was switched on. However, forensic confirmation is awaited.
Accused detained by police
Police detained Siddaraju, 25, from Bettadapura in Periyapatna, in connection with the crime. Preliminary investigation revealed that he had known the victim for seven years and allegedly plotted the murder after she refused to marry him.
According to police, Siddaraju brought Darshitha from her native village of Gerasanahalli in Hunsur to a temple and later took her to the lodge, introducing her to staff as his wife. He allegedly attacked her in the room after returning with a food parcel.
Sequence of events at the lodge
The lodge manager, Manu, told police that the couple checked in around 2 pm on Saturday. About half an hour later, Siddaraju returned with food. Soon after, he claimed that the room was locked from inside. When staff forced the door open, they found Darshitha’s body in a pool of blood.
Manu added that there was no sound of an explosion and no traces of gunpowder, ruling out the possibility of a blast caused by gelatine sticks or other combustible materials.
Police investigation underway
Mysuru Superintendent of Police N Vishnuvardhana confirmed that forensic experts have been roped in to determine the exact cause of death. He said, “We are being assisted by forensic experts to identify the object used to kill the woman. Gelatine sticks or combustible materials have been ruled out.”
Police also said Siddaraju allegedly attempted to carry Darshitha’s body on his shoulder before being stopped by the hotel staff, who insisted on waiting for the police to arrive.
Background of the victim
Darshitha lived with her parents in Gerasanahalli, while her husband works in Kerala. Police sources revealed that despite her marriage, she maintained contact with Siddaraju, who worked at a hardware shop.
Conclusion
The incident has raised serious questions about the nature of the weapon or device used, with investigators treating it as a rare and brutal form of assault. Police have registered a case of murder and Siddaraju is currently under interrogation. The forensic report is expected to provide clarity on the exact method used to kill the young woman.