Karnataka: Doctor Found Stabbed to Death in Dharwad Flat; Son Injured, Wife Detained for Questioning

A 45-year-old anaesthesiologist was found stabbed to death at his apartment in Karnataka's Dharwad, while his eight-year-old son was discovered critically injured at the scene. Police have launched a murder investigation and detained the doctor's wife for questioning, even as officials said the exact sequence of events is still being established. The deceased has been identified as Dr. Kiran Honnannanavar, an anaesthesiologist at a private hospital. According to police, he was found with multiple stab injuries inside his flat at Ranka Stello Apartment on Karnatak University Road in Dharwad, as reported by TOI.

His son, Nihit, who is reported to have intellectual disabilities, was found alive but seriously injured in a pool of blood. He was immediately shifted to a hospital for treatment. Karnataka Shocker: Man Walks Into Police Station After Slitting Wife, Sister-in-Law's Throats.

Police Probe Timeline of Incident

Dharwad Police Commissioner N. Shashikumar said investigators are yet to determine the exact time of the murder. Preliminary inquiries suggest that relatives and friends had tried contacting Dr. Honnannanavar over the previous day, but the calls were allegedly answered by his wife, Dr. Priyanka Gaddanahalli, who reportedly told them he was busy or had gone to the hospital.

Police also said that when neighbours contacted her, she allegedly gave varying accounts of her husband's whereabouts. Officials noted that she appeared to be in shock, but added that her statements have been inconsistent and are being verified as part of the investigation. Karnataka Shocker: Youth Assaulted Over Harassment Allegation; Video Goes Viral, Case Filed.

Wife Detained, Family Raises Suspicions

Dr. Priyanka Gaddanahalli, an ophthalmologist, has been detained for questioning. Police clarified that the investigation is at a preliminary stage and that no conclusions have been reached regarding her involvement.

Meanwhile, members of Dr. Honnannanavar's family have alleged that she may be connected to the crime. Police said they will record formal complaints from the family and continue examining all available evidence before determining further action.

CCTV Footage and Forensic Evidence Under Examination

Investigators said the apartment complex has extensive CCTV coverage and is considered highly secure, making the possibility of an unidentified outsider entering the premises less likely. However, police stressed that all angles remain open.

Forensic teams have inspected the scene, and officials said the post-mortem examination will help establish the time of death and provide further clues about the circumstances surrounding the killing.

A murder case has been registered, and police are analysing forensic evidence, CCTV footage, witness statements and the medical reports of the injured child. Authorities have said the motive behind the killing has not yet been established, and the investigation is ongoing.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 16, 2026 08:44 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).