Caught On Cam: Man Enters Women's PG In Bengaluru & Stabs Woman

A crime unfolded in Koramangala as a man entered a ladies' paying guest (PG) accommodation and fatally stabbed a tenant on July 24. The woman, Kriti Kumari, a 24-year-old from Bihar who worked for a private firm, was found dead in her room at the Bhargavi Staying Homes for Women. In the new development, the assailant has been arrested in Madhya Pradesh on July 26 and is being brought to Karnataka Capital for further investigation. 

Bihar Woman Stabbed to Death in Koramangala PG

Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayanand disclosed the information to NDTV and added that the investigation has been intensified with the formulation of three dedicated teams by Bengaluru Police to catch the accused.

The sources of the Police told PTI that the roommate of Kriti Kumari had moved out of the PG a few days ago. It is suspected that she went to stay with her boyfriend. However, on July 23, Kumari's roommate came back to stay with her. 

On the day of the murder, the man was seen entering the PG on the CCTV camera with a polythene bag. He knocked at the door and when Kumari opened the door, he dragged her out and killed her. Despite Kumari's attempt to save herself, the assailant overpowered her and slit her throat. Other girls in the PG came out hearing the noise but couldn't save Kumari. 

The attack occurred between 11:10 pm and 11:30 pm on the third floor of the building, located just over a kilometre from the Deputy Commissioner of Police's (Southeast) office and the Koramangala police station. Kumari had returned home from work around 10 pm. Police reports indicate that she sustained at least four stab wounds to her upper body and a severe neck injury.

The assailant is believed to have been known to Kumari through mutual acquaintances. He gained access to the PG while the caretaker was briefly away for dinner, leaving the entry door open. Security measures in the building include CCTV cameras, a biometric entry system, and a secured sliding iron gate. Despite these precautions, the assailant managed to bypass the receptionist's desk, ascend to the third floor, and commit the murder before fleeing the scene.

The police are reviewing CCTV footage and call records to identify and locate the suspect. DCP Sarah Fathima confirmed that the suspect's identity has been established and authorities are close to making an arrest. The police were notified around midnight, and an ambulance arrived shortly after. The body has been sent for an autopsy, and forensic teams are examining the crime scene for evidence.

Following the incident, two officers have been assigned to the location in shifts for security purposes, and separate teams are working on tracing the perpetrator. The PG owner may face action for negligence and inadequate security measures.

Kumari, who had moved to the PG in March 2024, was pursuing her career in Bengaluru after completing an MBA from a local college. Her male sibling also resides in the city but lives separately. A relative of the PG owner claimed that the suspect had previously entered the building with Kumari, pretending to be related to her. However, the police have not yet confirmed this detail.

The motive behind the murder remains unclear, and authorities are awaiting the suspect's custody for further investigation. The PG residents are deeply unsettled by the incident. Meanwhile, Kumari's family wishes to transport her body to Varanasi for final rites.