DHARWAD: An anaesthesiologist was found murdered and his eight-year-old son critically injured at their apartment in Dharwad on Wednesday evening. Police have detained the doctor’s wife for questioning as part of the investigation.The deceased has been identified as Dr Kiran Honnannanavar (45), an anaesthesiologist attached to a private hospital in Dharwad. Police said he was found with multiple stab wounds at his residence in Ranka Stello Apartment on Karnataka University Road.Police Commissioner N Shashikumar and senior officers rushed to the spot after receiving information about the incident around 7 pm. They found the couple’s son, Nihit Honnannanavar, lying in a pool of blood. He was immediately shifted to a hospital for treatment.According to the police commissioner, Dr Kiran lived with his wife, Dr Priyanka Gaddanahalli, an ophthalmologist, and their son.“It appears that Dr Kiran’s relatives had been trying to contact him since Tuesday night and throughout Wednesday. Whenever they called, Dr Priyanka allegedly told them that he was busy or had gone to the hospital. When neighbours contacted her, she allegedly said she was at home and that her husband had gone out,” Shashikumar said.He said the motive behind the murder is yet to be established.“Dr Priyanka is in a state of shock. She told us she was sitting at home after the incident, but her statements are inconsistent at this stage. We have registered a murder case. Dr Kiran’s family members are alleging that Dr Priyanka is accused. We will take complaint from them. We have detained Dr Priyanka,” the commissioner said.Police said Nihit is undergoing treatment in hospital.Shashikumar said the apartment has a robust security system, with CCTV cameras covering the premises.“The apartment has a highly secure environment and every block is under CCTV surveillance. The possibility of an outsider entering the premises appears to be low. No disputes with neighbours have been reported. The exact time of death can be determined only after the postmortem examination,” he said.
