Bengaluru Law Student Killed After Ending Relationship With Married Man

Bengaluru: A 24-year-old law student was found murdered in her apartment in Bengaluru on Wednesday, days after she ended a relationship with a man who had lied about being divorced. Police have arrested the 32-year-old suspect, who was known to the victim.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the city's student community. The victim, whose name has been withheld, was pursuing her law degree from a private college in the city. She lived alone in a rented flat in the southern suburb of Electronic City.

Relationship Built on a Lie

According to police sources, the accused and the victim met several months ago through a common friend. The man allegedly told her he was divorced and that his previous marriage had ended amicably. Based on this assurance, the woman agreed to enter a relationship with him.

However, she later discovered that the man was still legally married and had misled her about his divorce. Confronted with the truth, the woman decided to break off the relationship. Friends said she was deeply disturbed by the deception and had stopped responding to his calls and messages.

The accused, police said, could not accept the breakup. He allegedly began stalking the woman and repeatedly tried to convince her to take him back. When she refused, he turned violent.

Murder and Arrest

On Wednesday evening, the accused allegedly reached the woman's apartment. Neighbours reported hearing loud arguments and a scuffle. Shortly after, the man left the building. When the woman did not respond to calls or messages from her friends, they alerted the building security.

Security personnel forced open the door and found the woman lying in a pool of blood. She had been stabbed multiple times. She was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared her brought dead.

Police launched a manhunt and arrested the accused from a relative's house in the neighbouring district of Ramanagara. He has been charged with murder. Investigators are now probing if he had a history of harassment.

Rising Concerns Over Safety

The case has reignited debates about the safety of women in Bengaluru, particularly those living alone. Student organisations have called for stricter policing around residential areas that house many outstation students.

Data from the National Crime Records Bureau shows that crimes against women in urban centres remain a persistent challenge. While Bengaluru has seen a drop in overall crime rates, cases of stalking and domestic violence continue to surface.

Psychologists point out that many perpetrators of such crimes exhibit controlling behaviour long before the violence escalates. Experts urge women to report threats early and to maintain a network of trusted friends and family.

The victim's family, who live in another state, have reached out to the Karnataka government for support. They have demanded a fast-track trial in the case.

What happens next: The accused is expected to be produced before a magistrate for police custody. The trial is likely to be monitored by the courts given the public interest in the case.