DHARWAD: A 45-year-old anaesthesiologist was allegedly stabbed to death at his apartment in Dharwad on Wednesday, while his eight-year-old son, who is reported to have a mental disability, was found seriously injured at the scene. Police have detained the doctor’s wife as part of the investigation.
The deceased, Dr Kiran Honnannanavar, worked as an anaesthesiologist at a private hospital. He was found with multiple stab wounds inside his flat at Ranka Stello Apartment on Karnatak University Road. His son, Nihit, was discovered alive in a pool of blood and was rushed to hospital for treatment.
According to Dharwad Police Commissioner N. Shashikumar, the exact time of the murder is yet to be determined and will be established after the postmortem examination.
The doctor lived with his wife, Dr Priyanka Gaddanahalli, an ophthalmologist, and their son.
Police said relatives and friends had been trying to contact Dr Kiran since Tuesday night. Commissioner Shashikumar alleged that Dr Priyanka answered some of the calls, telling callers that her husband was busy or had gone to the hospital. Neighbours who contacted her were reportedly told that Dr Kiran had gone out.
“Currently, Dr Priyanka is in shock. She said she was sitting at home in shock. However, her statements are unclear at this moment,” the commissioner said.
Police have registered a murder case and detained Dr Priyanka for questioning. Commissioner Shashikumar said Dr Kiran’s family has alleged that she was involved in the crime, and investigators will record their formal complaint.
Officials also noted that the apartment complex has extensive CCTV surveillance and controlled access, making the possibility of an outsider entering the premises relatively low. Police said no disputes with neighbours had been reported, and the motive behind the killing remains under investigation.
