Police arrest accused in Mangaluru woman murder case after 21-year-old nursing home employee was fatally attacked at B.C. Road bus stand
A 21-year-old woman was killed in a sword attack at the B.C. Road bus stand in Bantwal, Dakshina Kannada district, after allegedly rejecting a marriage proposal from a distant relative. Police arrested the accused near Mangaluru using CCTV footage and technical surveillance. The investigation is continuing.
Mangaluru: The arrest of the accused in the murder of a 21-year-old woman at the B.C. Road bus stand in Bantwal taluk of Dakshina Kannada district has brought a significant breakthrough in a case that has drawn attention across Karnataka. Police arrested the accused, identified as Chethan, near Pacchanadi on the outskirts of Mangaluru after tracing him through technical surveillance and CCTV footage.
The victim, Lavanya (21), a resident of Kakkepadavu, was employed at a private nursing home in Kalladka. According to the police, the attack took place on Thursday evening after she allegedly rejected the accused's advances. Bantwal City Police have registered a case and initiated further legal proceedings.
Mangaluru Woman Murder Case Unfolded at B.C. Road Bus Stand
According to the preliminary investigation, Lavanya had boarded a KSRTC bus from Bantwal to Kakkepadavu at around 6 pm on Thursday, July 16.
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Police said the accused, Chethan, who is believed to be a distant relative of the victim, boarded the same bus and sat beside her. Sensing discomfort, Lavanya reportedly called a relative and informed them that the accused was sitting next to her. The call was later disconnected.
After the bus reached the B.C. Road bus stand, both got down. Investigators said the accused allegedly chased Lavanya before attacking her with a talwar (sword) after she attempted to flee.
"The accused allegedly attacked the victim after she tried to escape, causing critical injuries before fleeing the scene," police sources said.
Victim Succumbed to Injuries at Bantwal Hospital
Passersby and local residents alerted the police immediately after the incident. Senior officers, including Bantwal Sub-Divisional Police officials and Bantwal City Police personnel, reached the scene and began the investigation.
Lavanya was shifted to Bantwal Taluk Hospital with severe injuries. Despite medical efforts, she later succumbed to her injuries.
The body has been sent for post-mortem examination as part of the investigation.
Accused Arrested Using CCTV and Technical Surveillance
Police said the accused escaped from the crime scene in an Alto car and drove towards Mangaluru.
During his escape, Chethan allegedly telephoned Lavanya's father and told him that he had killed his daughter before claiming that he would also end his own life.
"Based on mobile network analysis and CCTV footage, the accused was traced and taken into custody near Pacchanadi in Vamanjoor along with the vehicle used during his escape," investigators said.
Following the call, Bantwal subdivision police formed a special team and launched a search operation, leading to the accused's arrest within hours.
Earlier Incident Also Under Investigation
According to police sources, Chethan had allegedly visited the private hospital where Lavanya worked about a month ago and created a disturbance. Hospital staff reportedly intervened and prevented the situation from escalating.
Investigators are now examining whether the earlier incident had been formally reported to the police and whether any preventive action could have been taken before the fatal attack.
Police are recording statements from witnesses, family members and hospital staff while collecting additional evidence to establish the sequence of events.
The investigation is continuing, and authorities are expected to file appropriate charges after completing the inquiry.
