Bantwal: Young woman brutally murdered in broad daylight at KSRTC bus stand

Bantwal: Young woman brutally murdered in broad daylight at KSRTC bus stand

Mangalore Today News Network

Bantwal, Jul 17, 2026: A 21-year-old woman was brutally hacked to death with a machete in broad daylight at the KSRTC bus stand in Bantwal on Thursday, sending shockwaves across the town.

The victim has been identified as Lavanya (21), a resident of Uligram in Bantwal, while the accused is Chetan (22) of Odilnala in Belthangady. Both were employed at a private nursing home in Kalladka.

According to preliminary information, Lavanya had boarded a KSRTC bus to travel towards Kakyapadavu. While inside the bus, she reportedly called a relative and informed them that a young man was sitting beside her. The call was disconnected shortly afterwards.

Eyewitnesses said that after Lavanya got off the bus, the accused followed her, pulled out a machete from his bag, and launched a brutal attack.

Despite her desperate attempts to save herself, Lavanya sustained multiple fatal injuries and died on the spot. The accused fled the scene immediately after the attack.

A bystander managed to capture the horrifying assault on a mobile phone. The video has since gone viral on social media and is expected to serve as crucial evidence in the police investigation. The incident has sparked widespread concern among residents over public safety.

Senior officers from the Bantwal Police Sub-Division, the Town Police Inspector, and other police personnel rushed to the scene upon receiving information. Dakshina Kannada Superintendent of Police Arun K also visited the spot to assess the situation.

The SP said the exact motive behind the murder is yet to be established and will be determined during the course of the investigation. Special police teams have been formed to trace and arrest the absconding accused. A case has been registered, and further investigation is underway.