Police in Karnataka's Chikkaballapur district are investigating a suspected murder after a 25-year-old woman was found dead at a homestay near Muddenahalli village on Monday. Her boyfriend was discovered unconscious in the same room, authorities said.
Victim and Suspect Identified
The deceased was identified as Sai Surbhi, a physiotherapist from Bengaluru. Her boyfriend, Sanjeet Ali, 26, is a BE (Mechanical) graduate from Kerala who worked as a cab driver, according to police. Investigators are probing whether Ali killed Surbhi before attempting suicide.
Parents Allege Murder
Surbhi's parents, who opposed the relationship, alleged that Ali murdered their daughter, police added. Chikkaballapur Superintendent of Police Kushal Chouksey said they received a call from the homestay caretaker around noon. When officers arrived, Surbhi was dead, and Ali was unconscious. He was taken to a hospital for treatment.
Evidence Recovered
Police recovered a rope, tablets, and alcohol bottles from the room. "Preliminary inquiry has revealed that the two were in a relationship and had eloped to Kannur in Kerala last year. They later returned and stated that they had left voluntarily," SP Chouksey said. He noted that Surbhi's mother said she had come to volunteer at a hospital in Chikkaballapur about a week ago.
Investigation Underway
Homestay records indicate Ali checked in on Saturday, but the caretaker is unsure when Surbhi joined him. Police suspect Ali consumed tablets and remains unconscious; his statement will be recorded after he regains consciousness. A murder case has been registered at Nandi police station. Authorities are awaiting forensic and postmortem reports before concluding, and are probing all angles.
