Bengaluru Police Arrest Teen Neighbor in Software Engineer's Murder Case, Initially Thought a Fire Accident

Investigation Uncovers Murder in Bengaluru Fire Incident

Bengaluru police have apprehended an 18-year-old man, identified as Karnal Kurai, in connection with the murder of Sharmila D.K., a 34-year-old software engineer. The incident, which occurred on January 3, 2026, at her apartment in Subramanya Layout, Ramamurthynagar, East Bengaluru, was initially reported as a tragic fire accident. However, a detailed investigation, including forensic analysis, revealed a more sinister truth.

Forensic Evidence Contradicts Initial Fire Accident Theory

Sharmila D.K., who worked for Accenture, was found unconscious in her locked two-bedroom flat after neighbors alerted authorities to smoke emanating from the residence around 10:45 PM. She was later declared dead. Initial suspicions pointed towards an accidental fire caused by an electrical short circuit, with suffocation cited as the cause of death. However, forensic and post-mortem reports contradicted this theory, indicating that the victim had been smothered before the fire started and showed signs of struggle and minor injuries. Investigators found no evidence of an electrical fault, leading them to suspect arson. A complaint from a friend of Sharmila, who suspected foul play, further prompted a deeper probe.

Accused Identified as Neighbor, Motive Revealed

The accused, Karnal Kurai, a second Pre-University Course (PUC) student, lived in the apartment next door to Sharmila with his single mother. Police stated that Kurai allegedly developed a 'one-sided obsession' with Sharmila. On the night of the incident, he reportedly entered her flat through a sliding window around 9 PM. He then allegedly confronted her, demanding sexual favors. When she resisted, he smothered her, causing her to lose consciousness.

Attempt to Destroy Evidence and Subsequent Arrest

Following the alleged murder, Kurai reportedly set fire to the flat, specifically targeting Sharmila's clothes and other materials in a vacant bedroom, in an attempt to destroy evidence and make the death appear as an accident. He then fled the scene, taking the victim's mobile phone. The case took a decisive turn when technical evidence, including the tracing of the missing mobile phone, led police to Kurai. He was arrested on January 10, 2026, and subsequently confessed to the crime during interrogation. Kurai has been booked under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including 103(1) for murder, 64(2) for rape, 66 for causing death or resulting in a persistent vegetative state of the victim, and 238 for causing disappearance of evidence or giving false information to screen an offender.