A relationship that took root on social media has ended in horror in Bengaluru. In the city's Malleshwaram area, a 20-year-old woman was allegedly killed by the very partner she was living with. Police have arrested a 27-year-old man accused of strangling his companion to death.
Who the Accused and the Victim Were
Investigators have established that the woman who was killed was named Anusha, while the accused has been identified as Sharad. Both originally belonged to Sakleshpur in Karnataka's Hassan district. Although they came from the same place, they did not meet through a neighbourhood or family connection. Their paths first crossed on Instagram.
From an Instagram Chat to a Live-In Relationship
According to police, the conversation that began on social media first grew into friendship and then turned into a romantic relationship. About six months ago the two decided to live together and moved into a rented house in the Malleshwaram area of Bengaluru as live-in partners. Sharad worked in the city as a water tanker driver.
A Single Quarrel Turned Fatal
The relationship had reportedly been under strain for a long time. Police say that on Saturday night an exchange of words over some issue quickly flared into a sharp argument. The dispute escalated to the point where Sharad allegedly strangled Anusha, and she died on the spot.
How the Crime Surfaced Two Days Later
What makes the case unusual is that it did not come to light immediately. It surfaced two days later, when Sharad reportedly described the entire incident to his lawyer. Sensing the seriousness of the matter, the lawyer alerted the police without delay. As soon as the information came in, officers from the Seshadripuram police station reached the spot and began their inquiry.
Police Action
Police took the body into their custody and sent it for a postmortem. After completing the legal formalities, the body was handed over to the family. A hunt for the accused then began, and he was placed under arrest.
What Happens Next
Sharad is currently being questioned. Investigating officers are trying to determine whether the killing was driven only by the dispute between the two or whether some other motive lay behind it. A detailed investigation into the case is still under way.
