Bengaluru Police detained an accused for allegedly killing a woman, who worked as a senior geologist with the Mines and Geology Department. She was found murdered at her residence in Bengaluru on Sunday.
According to media reports, the probe officials cracked the case as they found the crime was carried out by someone familiar with the victim. During the investigation, the officials found that she was dropped at her residence by her driver at 8 pm on Saturday. The former driver of the victim was held on Monday, the police said.
Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda said one person has been detained in connection with the murder of 45-year-old Prathima KS from Chamarajanagar district.
"He (suspect) was secured from Mahadeshwarabetta. His details are being verified. He is her former car driver and was removed from his job about a week or 10 days ago. After a detailed enquiry, we will share further details. It is said he was working on a contractual basis and had been working for her for four years," the officials said.
According to police, the victim was strangled and her throat slit at her residence at Doddakallasandra under Subramanyapura police station limits at around 8 pm on Saturday after she returned home.
As Prathima, who was living alone, did not respond to phone calls on Saturday night and Sunday morning, her elder brother came to her house to check and got to know about her murder and informed the police.
Forensic Science Laboratory and other technical officials visited the crime scene and collected samples and other details.
No theft of any jewellery or valuables was reported, the police said.
Officials suspect that the incident took place on Saturday night after she returned to her residence at Doddakallasandra under the Subramanyapura police station limits.
According to police, the death was due to strangulation and slitting of the throat.
DCP, South Division, Bengaluru City, Rahul Kumar Shahapurwad said, "Forensic and technical teams are at work on the spot. Three teams have been formed for investigation. We will be able to share further information, once we get to know exactly what happened."
Noting that Pratima was residing in the same house for the last four-five years as she has been working in Bengaluru Urban for the last four years, the DCP said she was living alone.
Reacting to a question on the incident, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in Mysuru said the murder will be inquired into and the reason is not yet known.
"I just got to know about it. We will inquire into it. It seems that she was staying alone (in Bengaluru), while her husband was in his native village.
The reason is not yet known, we will inquire into it," he said.
According to sources, her husband lived at Thirthahalli in Shivamogga district.
(With PTI inputs)
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