BENGALURU: A 43-year-old woman, K S Pratima, who worked as a senior geologist at the Mines and Geology Department, was discovered dead under suspicious circumstances in her residence in Bengaluru. The authorities suspect foul play and believe that Pratima was murdered.

The incident is believed to have taken place on Saturday night when Pratima returned to her home in Doddakallasandra, located within the Subramanyapura police station limits. According to the police investigation, Pratima was strangled and her throat was slit. She had returned home around 8 pm on Saturday, and when she did not respond to phone calls that night and the following morning, her elder brother went to check on her. It was then that he found her lifeless body and immediately alerted the police.

DCP Rahul Kumar Shahapurwad of the South Division in Bengaluru City stated that forensic and technical teams are currently at the scene, and three separate teams have been assembled to conduct a thorough investigation. Further details will be provided as the investigation progresses.

Pratima had been residing in the same house for the past four to five years while working in Bengaluru Urban for the last four years. She lived alone, and initial investigations have not indicated any theft of jewelry or valuables.

When questioned about the incident, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in Mysuru responded that the murder would be thoroughly investigated, and the motive behind the crime remains unknown. He stated, “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.” According to sources, her husband resided in Thirthahalli in Shivamogga district.

(With agency inputs)