A 21-year-old woman was allegedly hacked to death with a machete at the KSRTC New Bus Stand in BC Road, Bantwal, Karnataka, on Thursday evening. The accused fled the scene after the attack, leaving behind the weapon, and police have launched a search operation to trace him.
The victim, identified as Lavanya, was a resident of Uligram in Bantwal and worked at a private nursing home in Kalladka.
Attack Caught on Camera
The shocking incident, which occurred around 6 pm, was captured on CCTV cameras installed near the bus stand.
According to preliminary police findings, Lavanya was waiting for a bus when the accused allegedly pulled a machete out of his bag. As she attempted to flee, he chased her and repeatedly attacked her before escaping from the scene.
The attacker reportedly abandoned the murder weapon before fleeing.
Victim Succumbed to Injuries
Following the assault, bystanders rushed Lavanya to the Bantwal Government Hospital, where she received emergency treatment. However, she later succumbed to her injuries.
Accused Identified, Motive Under Investigation
Police have identified the suspect as Chetan, a resident of Odilnala in Belthangady, Karnataka.
Authorities said the motive behind the attack and the circumstances leading to the incident are still under investigation.
A senior police official said investigators are examining all possible angles and have not yet established the reason for the assault.
Police Launch Manhunt
Senior officers from the Bantwal subdivision, along with the Bantwal Town Police Inspector and forensic teams, visited the crime scene shortly after the incident.
Heavy police deployment was seen at the bus stand as investigators collected evidence and reviewed CCTV footage.
A case has been registered, and police have launched a manhunt to arrest the accused, who remains absconding.
The investigation is ongoing.