A shocking crime has rocked Bengaluru's tech community after a 19-year-old youth allegedly murdered a 26-year-old woman software engineer for rejecting his sexual advances. In a brutal attempt to cover his tracks, the accused then set her house on fire to make the death look like an accident.
Gruesome Details of the Crime Emerge
The incident occurred in the Bellandur area of southeast Bengaluru. The victim, identified as Ananya Reddy, lived alone in her apartment. According to the Bellandur police, the prime suspect is a teenager, 19-year-old Rohan Kumar, who was known to the victim. Police reports indicate that on the night of January 10, Kumar visited Reddy's residence. After she refused his sexual propositions, an argument ensued. In a fit of rage, Kumar allegedly attacked and killed her.
To destroy any forensic evidence and stage the scene, the accused then set the house on fire before fleeing. The blaze was noticed by neighbours who immediately alerted the fire department and police. Initially, it was thought to be a tragic accident, but a detailed investigation by the police quickly revealed signs of foul play.
Police Investigation Uncovers the Truth
The Bellandur police, led by senior officials, launched a thorough probe. Forensic examination and CCTV footage from the apartment complex played a crucial role in cracking the case. The evidence did not support the theory of an accidental fire. Instead, it pointed towards a deliberate act of murder followed by arson.
Acting on specific intelligence and technical evidence, the police team tracked down and arrested Rohan Kumar within 48 hours of the crime. During interrogation, he reportedly confessed to the murder and explained his motive. He stated that he killed Ananya Reddy after she turned down his advances and then set the fire to erase all traces of his crime, hoping it would be deemed an electrical or accidental fire.
Community Shock and Legal Proceedings
The murder has sent waves of fear and anger through the Bellandur community, a neighbourhood populated heavily by young professionals and tech employees. Ananya Reddy, a software engineer working for a multinational firm, is described by colleagues as a bright and dedicated professional.
The police have booked the accused under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including those for murder, destruction of evidence, and causing mischief by fire. He was produced before a local court which has remanded him to police custody for further investigation. Law enforcement officials have assured that they are building a strong, evidence-based case to ensure maximum punishment.
This tragic incident highlights severe concerns about the safety of women living alone in major metropolitan cities. It also underscores the critical role of swift police work and forensic science in solving heinous crimes that are initially disguised as accidents.
