Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Jan 12: A startling twist has emerged in the mysterious death of Bengaluru-based techie Sharmila, a Mangaluru native, whose demise was initially reported as a fire accident caused by a short circuit.
Police investigations have now confirmed that the 34-year-old’s death was a premeditated murder, and accused Karnal Kurai, a Kerala native, has been arrested in connection with the case.
Sharmila, originally from Kavoor, Mangaluru, had been living in an apartment in Subrahmanya Layout, Ramamurthynagar, Bengaluru, with a friend for the past one and a half years. She worked as a techie at a private software company near her residence. On the day of the incident, Sharmila was on leave, and her friend had gone home, leaving her alone in the apartment.
Around 11 PM on Saturday night, a sudden fire broke out in one of the rooms of her apartment, accompanied by thick smoke. Sharmila reportedly attempted to reach the room, but a power outage plunged the house into darkness. Trapped in the smoke-filled room, she was unable to open the windows or doors and tragically suffocated, according to preliminary reports.
Local residents alerted the authorities, and fire personnel and police rushed to the scene to extinguish the flames. The body was later sent for a post-mortem examination.
Initial probe – Fire accident suspected
Early investigations had suggested that the fire was caused by a short circuit. Officers from the SOCO (Scene of Crime) team and the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) examined the site, and an unnatural death case was registered at Ramamurthynagar police station.
Investigation takes dramatic turn
However, the post-mortem report and forensic evidence revealed a shocking truth: Sharmila’s death was not accidental but a deliberate murder. “Our investigation has confirmed that this was a premeditated act,” said a senior police officer. Police inquiries revealed the involvement of Karnal Kurai, who was acquainted with Sharmila. Sources say Sharmila was unaware of Kurai’s intentions. It is alleged that he staged the fire to disguise the murder.
Arrest and ongoing investigation
Based on the evidence, police arrested Kurai, a Kerala native. He is currently being questioned in detail, with investigators probing the motive, the exact sequence of events, and whether others were involved. “Sharmila was a cheerful and hardworking techie; this news has shocked all of us,” said a co-worker.
What initially appeared to be an unfortunate accident has now sent shockwaves across Ramamurthynagar. Police have indicated that a full disclosure of the case details may be released soon.