Karnataka Horror: Doctor murdered, 8-year-old son stabbed; Wife taken to custody

A doctor was found murdered inside his Dharwad apartment while his eight-year-old son suffered stab injuries. Police are questioning the doctor's wife and probing the circumstances behind the incident.

Post Published By: Ayushi Bisht
Updated : 16 July 2026, 8:29 AM IST

Dharwad: An anesthesiologist was found murdered inside his apartment in Karnataka's Dharwad, while his eight-year-old son was discovered with stab injuries, prompting an intensive police investigation. Authorities are questioning the doctor's wife and examining the sequence of events that led to the incident.

The deceased has been identified as Dr Kiran Honannavar, an anesthesiologist at Chirayu Hospital. According to police, his body was found in a pool of blood inside the family's sixth-floor apartment on Wednesday. His son, Nehait, sustained stab injuries and was admitted to a hospital for treatment.

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Police question wife over conflicting statements

Police said Dr Kiran's wife, Dr Priyanka Katnahalli, an ophthalmologist, and their son were the only other people present in the apartment at the time of the incident.

According to investigators, relatives and friends who tried to contact Dr Kiran on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning were allegedly given different explanations by Dr Priyanka, who reportedly said he was either resting or on duty. Family members later visited the apartment and found him dead.

Police said Dr Priyanka appeared shocked during questioning and provided vague responses. She has also been admitted to a hospital for treatment.

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No signs of forced entry

Commissioner N. Sasikumar said investigators found no signs of forced entry into the apartment, which is equipped with CCTV surveillance and has a secure access system. Police are analysing CCTV footage, collecting forensic evidence and recording statements from family members.

Officials said the exact time and cause of death will be confirmed after the post-mortem examination. A murder case has been registered, and investigators are examining all possible angles while reconstructing the timeline leading up to the crime.

Location :  Karnataka

Published :  16 July 2026, 8:29 AM IST