In a shocking turn of events, Bengaluru police have revealed that the death of a 34-year-old woman software engineer, initially thought to be a tragic fire accident, was actually a premeditated murder. The authorities have arrested an 18-year-old student from the victim's neighbourhood for the crime.
From Accident to Homicide: The Investigation Unfolds
The case pertains to the death of Sharmila D Kushalappa, who was found dead in her two-bedroom rented house in Bengaluru on 3 January 2026. Initially, when a fire broke out at the residence, police suspected she had died due to suffocation from the smoke. The preliminary probe even pointed towards a possible short-circuit as the cause of the blaze.
However, the investigation took a drastic turn based on a statement from one of Sharmila's friends, who raised suspicions of foul play. This prompted a deeper look. While the autopsy report confirmed suffocation as the cause of death, it also noted the presence of some fresh minor injuries on her body, casting further doubt on the initial theory.
Key Evidence That Cracked the Case
A meticulous re-examination of the scene led investigators to a grim conclusion. "We found that there was arson and we then started checking the burnt belongings in the house," explained a police officer. A critical piece of evidence was missing: Sharmila's mobile phone could not be found, even in a burnt state.
Following technical evidence, police traced the activity of the missing phone to a local 18-year-old student. Upon questioning, the suspect confessed to the crime, detailing a chilling sequence of events.
The Fatal Night and the Motive
According to the police, the accused entered Sharmila's house through a window around 9 pm on 3 January. He was aware that her flatmate had travelled to her home state of Assam. The suspect allegedly made advances towards Sharmila, which she resisted.
"He asked her to 'co-operate', which she resisted," the police officer stated. In the ensuing struggle, the teenager allegedly held her mouth and nose tightly until she lost consciousness. To destroy evidence of his crime, he then gathered her clothes and other items, set the house on fire, and fled the scene.
The police confirmed that the motive for the murder was the victim's rejection of the suspect's advances. The fire was a deliberate act of arson to cover up the homicide.
Justice Sought in a City Shocked by Violence
The arrest, made public on Sunday, 12 January 2026, has sent shockwaves through the community and the IT corridor of Bengaluru. The case highlights a brutal crime disguised as an accident and underscores the importance of thorough police procedure. The accused is now in custody and will face the legal process for his alleged actions.
