Bengaluru Techie Murder Case: Accused 18-Year-Old Neighbour Allegedly Confesses To Killing Sharmila

The Bengaluru techie murder case has taken a grim turn after accused 18-year-old neighbour Karnal Kurai allegedly admitted to killing software engineer Sharmila. Police said the confession details an attempted sexual assault, strangulation, and efforts to erase evidence inside her Ramamurthy Nagar home at Subramanya Layout on 3 January.

According to investigators, Sharmila, who worked as a software engineer at Accenture, was discovered dead under suspicious conditions at the residence. The incident shocked residents in the area, as the house lies within the jurisdiction of Ramamurthy Nagar Police Station, and both the victim and accused reportedly lived in the same neighbourhood.

Bengaluru techie murder case: confession and investigation details

Police officials stated that Karnal allegedly confessed during interrogation that the crime was carefully planned. Investigators said Karnal reportedly carried out three rounds of reconnaissance near Sharmila’s house. During these visits, Karnal is said to have watched her routine, checked entry points, and assessed possible escape routes from the building.

Officers said that on 3 January, Karnal allegedly entered the house through the back door by sliding it open. Investigators believe Karnal then attacked Sharmila from behind. As Sharmila resisted, her head reportedly struck the sofa, which caused heavy bleeding. Despite the injury, police said the assault continued and an attempted sexual assault followed.

Bengaluru techie murder case: forensic gaps and missing evidence

Police explained that even as Sharmila begged for mercy, Karnal allegedly pressed ahead with the attack. Officers stated that Sharmila was strangled with both hands, which investigators believe caused her death. During the attempted sexual assault, Karnal allegedly experienced premature ejaculation, a detail that is now central to the forensic analysis.

Investigators noted that several steps were allegedly taken to destroy traces of the crime. Police said Karnal reportedly removed Sharmila’s clothes, used them to wipe blood, and then washed the garments with water. Later, Karnal allegedly took fresh clothes from her cupboard, dressed the body, and laid Sharmila flat to reduce suspicion.

Bengaluru techie murder case: alleged clean-up, arson attempt, and phone destruction

Officers said Karnal then attempted to stage a further clean-up inside the bedroom. According to police, some clothes, including Sharmila’s top, were placed on the bed. Karnal allegedly lit tissue paper, which produced smoke inside the house. Investigators believe this smoke and minor fire damage affected potential forensic traces.

Police added that one key item of clothing, Sharmila’s pants, was mistakenly left behind at first. Karnal later allegedly threw the pants onto a tree in a neighbouring house. Investigators said Karnal also stole Sharmila’s mobile phone, switched it off, and then destroyed the device before leaving the crime scene.

Bengaluru techie murder case: FSL report and ongoing police probe

Despite the alleged confession and recovery of some items, officers said crucial forensic material is still missing. Police reported that no usable fingerprints were recovered either from inside the house or from Sharmila’s body. They believe smoke from the burnt tissue paper further damaged or obscured important physical evidence at the scene.

Authorities said the FSL report related to the sexual assault attempt is now vital for the case. Police suspect the act was pre-planned and executed with a clear escape strategy. The investigation into the Bengaluru techie murder case continues, with officers focusing on forensic proof to support the charges and strengthen the prosecution.