Bengaluru Software Engineer Sent for Psychiatric Assessment Following Alleged Double Murder of Parents
In a shocking incident from Bengaluru's upscale tech corridor, a 33-year-old software engineer has been referred for psychiatric evaluation after allegedly stabbing his parents to death inside their villa. The accused, identified as Rohan Bhat, was arrested by officers from the HAL Police Station but has now been sent to the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) for assessment instead of being taken into police custody.
Contradictory Statements and Suspected Mental Health Issues
Police officials report that Rohan Bhat appeared mentally unstable during questioning, making contradictory statements about the motive behind the violent attack. "Though circumstantial evidence points to Rohan's involvement in the murder, what is evading clarity is the exact motive behind it," a police officer stated. "Rohan makes contradictory statements every now and then. Once, he claims his father refused to give him Rs 4 lakh for his new project. Then, he changes it, saying the fight broke out over changing his mobile number from the family package."
Investigators noted that Rohan was undergoing mood swings and have decided to conduct further questioning once his younger sister arrives from the United States. Based on preliminary assessment, police believe Rohan could be suffering from schizophrenia, a serious mental health condition characterized by disorganized thinking and behavior.
Violent Confrontation in Upscale Vignan Nagar Residence
The victims—former merchant navy captain Naveen Chandra and his wife, dentist Shyamala—were found with multiple stab wounds inside their home in Vignan Nagar, near HAL Township, on Wednesday morning. The couple had returned to Bengaluru from Bhubaneswar on Monday evening after a 10-day trip.
According to investigating officers, Rohan had come home to receive his parents after his mother intimated him of their return. "According to Rohan, he requested Naveen to fund his projects and Naveen refused. However, the fight broke out early Wednesday morning when Naveen was getting ready for a walk and Rohan repeated his demand," an officer explained. "At one stage, Naveen shouted at Rohan, asking him to leave the house immediately. According to Rohan, his father hit him with the stock of an airgun."
Police say Rohan later used a kitchen knife to attack his parents, though he has told officers he does not remember what happened during the violent episode.
Neighbor's Account Reveals Disturbing Scene
The violence came to light around 7:30 AM when neighbors heard commotion from the villa. Dr. Madhavi Nair, who lives nearby, described the disturbing scene she witnessed: "I rushed out and found Naveen in the garden of the opposite house. He had multiple stab wounds. I saw Shyamala lying on the floor inside the house. She was not responding. I was told by my neighbor that their son, Rohan, was inside."
Dr. Nair continued: "I asked him to come out. He said he was hit on the stomach. Then, I went inside and checked on Shyamala. I could not feel a pulse." She also revealed that Shyamala had previously confided in her about Rohan's psychiatric issues, stating that he had been on medication for mental health concerns.
Medical Response and Investigation Progress
The couple were immediately taken to Manipal Hospital on Old Airport Road but were declared dead on arrival. The case has now taken a significant turn with the psychiatric referral, as authorities seek to understand the mental state of the accused at the time of the alleged crime.
This tragic incident highlights the intersection of mental health challenges and violent crime in urban settings, raising questions about support systems for individuals with psychiatric conditions and their families in metropolitan areas like Bengaluru.
