A woman officer who worked with the Karnataka government as a senior geologist in the Mines and Geology Department was found allegedly murdered at her residence in Bengaluru, news agency PTI reported, citing police. The deceased was identified as K. S. Pratima, 43. According to the officials, the incident occurred on Saturday night after she returned to her residence at Doddakallasandra under the Subramanyapura police station limits. As per the police, the death was due to strangulation and throat slitting.
"As usual, around 8 pm on Saturday, the deceased Pratima returned home. As she did not respond to phone calls last night and this morning, her elder brother came to her house to check and got to know about her murder. He informed the police," DCP, South Division, Bengaluru City, Rahul Kumar Shahapurwad told reporters in Bengaluru, as quoted by PTI. He said, "Forensic and technical teams are at work on the spot. Three teams have been formed for investigation. We will be able to share further information, once we get to know exactly what happened."
The DCP noted that Pratima had been residing in the same house for the last four-five years, as she has been working in Bengaluru Urban for the last four years, and said that she was living alone. "The death is because of strangulation and throat slitting," he said, adding that prima facie there is no theft of any jewellery or valuables.
Reacting to a query pertaining to the incident, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in Mysuru said the murder will be inquired into, and the reason is not yet known.
"I just got to know about it. We will inquire into it. It seems that she was staying alone in Bengaluru while her husband was in his native village. The reason is not yet known; we will inquire into it," he said, as quoted by PTI. The husband of the deceased woman lived at Thirthahalli in Shivamogga district, PTI reported, citing sources.