Overview

• The victim, identified as Rakshita, also known as Darshitha, was found in a Bherya lodge with catastrophic injuries to her mouth and face.
• Locals stopped the suspect, Siddaraju, as he tried to flee, and Saligrama police arrested him on a murder charge.
• Police say he attempted a cover story by shouting that a mobile phone had exploded, but lodge staff found no handset or debris.
• Investigators are evaluating whether a recovered two‑metre cable was used to deliver an electric shock, with the superintendent ruling out gelignite or a detonator as FSL testing proceeds.
• Detectives are probing motive and possible premeditation linked to an extramarital relationship, including reports of a soured romance, a loan dispute, and the suspect’s familiarity with quarry explosives.