Police in Dharwad, Karnataka, have launched a murder investigation after an anaesthetist, Dr. Kiran Honannavar, 45, was found dead in his apartment, and his eight-year-old son critically injured with stab wounds. The shocking discovery was made on Wednesday evening after concerned neighbours and family members were unable to reach Dr. Honannavar throughout the day.
According to Hubballi-Dharwad Police Commissioner N Shashikumar, Dr. Honannavar's wife, Priyanka Kattanahalli, an MBBS graduate with an MS in Ophthalmology, was found on a bed, allegedly scrolling through her phone, beside her deceased husband and injured son. Neighbours had reportedly tried to contact the family since morning, with Priyanka consistently stating that her husband was either resting or out on duty.
Investigation Underway in Dharwad Apartment Tragedy
When family members eventually gained entry to the sixth-floor apartment, they found Dr. Kiran Honannavar in a pool of blood. His son, though gravely injured, was still breathing and was immediately rushed to a private hospital. Commissioner Shashikumar stated that authorities are working to determine the exact time the child was attacked and the sequence of events.
Preliminary findings from the police investigation suggest that only Dr. Honannavar, his wife, and their son were present in the apartment at the time of the incident. There are currently no indications that any other individuals entered the flat. Police are meticulously piecing together the timeline, including whom Priyanka spoke to and what information she provided during the period concerned.
Wife's Statements Raise Questions
Relatives and friends of Dr. Honannavar had attempted to contact the couple on Tuesday night and again on Wednesday morning. Each time, Priyanka answered, offering varying explanations for her husband's unavailability. Neighbours reported receiving similar responses when they tried to check on the family.
A murder case has been officially registered, and the investigation is ongoing. Authorities are focused on establishing the full facts surrounding the tragic deaths and injuries within the Dharwad apartment.