In a disturbing case from Karnataka’s Mandya district, a man has been arrested for allegedly murdering his married lover just days after meeting her in person for the first time, following a brief online interaction through Facebook. The accused, identified as Puneeth, was traced after police found him in possession of the woman’s mobile phone.
The victim, 28-year-old Preethi from Hosakoppa in Hassan, was reported missing by her husband on June 23. Police launched an investigation after noticing her mobile phone was still switched on. According to Mandya Superintendent of Police Mallikarjun Baladandi, “When we called, a man named Puneeth from Karoti village answered. He said, ‘She had rented our car and then took a bus. She left her phone behind; that’s why I have it now’."
Shortly after, a villager alerted the police to a body found nearby, which was later confirmed to be Preethi’s.
As per police reports, Puneeth, a 30-year-old who rents out cars, met Preethi, a garment factory worker, on Facebook about a week earlier. Their chats became frequent, and on Sunday, Preethi asked him to meet her in Hassan. He picked her up and took her to Mysuru in a rented vehicle.
The two visited various places and later checked into a lodge near Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS), where they reportedly engaged in sexual activity. However, tensions arose soon after.
Preethi allegedly expressed a desire to continue their relationship, but Puneeth was not interested. As they travelled towards KR Pete, she reportedly continued pressing him to stay with her. He drove her to a wooded area near Katteraghatta, where an argument broke out.
“She expressed a desire to stay with him longer. He refused, saying there were people around. They argued, and he slapped her. She fell to the ground. He then picked up a stone and hit her with it, killing her,” said SP Baladandi.
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To conceal the crime, Puneeth allegedly took her phone and buried her body on his farmland. “We have registered a case of murder and arrested him,” confirmed the officer. He added that despite chatting for only four days, this was their first physical meeting. Preethi, who was married and had two children, had told her family she was leaving for work at the garment factory.
The investigation is ongoing, with police continuing to question Puneeth.