A fire accident in East Bengaluru has now been confirmed as a case of murder by the police. On January 3, late at night, Sharmila Kushalappa, a 34-year-old software engineer, was found dead after a fire broke out in her apartment in Subramanta Layout. However, the police have discovered information that has turned this case into a murder investigation.
Earlier, the case appeared to be an accidental fire caused by a short circuit. However, forensic examination of her body revealed that she was suffocated to death, after which the murderer set the fire to destroy evidence in the flat. Sharmila belonged to the Dakshina Kannada region and was working at a major tech company.
Details of the Crime and Arrest
The police have arrested an 18-year-old PUC student in connection with the crime. He lived next door with his mother. According to the investigation, the accused allegedly entered the victim’s flat through a sliding window at around 9 PM and demanded sexual favours. When Sharmila refused and resisted, he killed her.
According to the police, the accused pinned down the victim and covered her mouth and nose, causing her to lose consciousness. During the assault, she sustained a minor injury and began bleeding.
Attempt to Destroy Evidence
After committing the crime, the accused gathered her clothes and other belongings from the room, placed them on the bed, and set them on fire in an attempt to destroy evidence. He then fled the flat, taking the victim’s mobile phone with him.
The accused has been remanded to three days of police custody for further examination, and the investigation is ongoing.
