Karnataka Doctor Stabbed to Death in Dharwad; Wife Detained, 8-Year-Old Son Critically Injured

A 45-year-old anesthesiologist was found stabbed to death inside his apartment in Dharwad, Karnataka, while his eight-year-old son was critically injured in the same incident, police said on Thursday. Authorities have detained the doctor's wife for questioning after relatives filed a complaint, but investigators have not confirmed her involvement.

Police Commissioner N. Shashikumar said, "Why the incident happened, for what reason needs to be ascertained," adding that officers are examining CCTV footage, forensic evidence, and post-mortem findings to reconstruct the sequence of events.

Dr. Kiran Honnannavar, an anesthesiologist at Chirayu Hospital, lived with his wife, ophthalmologist Dr. Priyanka Gaddanahalli, and their eight-year-old son at Ranka Stello Apartments on Karnataka University Road in Dharwad.

According to The Hindu, relatives grew concerned after they were unable to reach Dr. Honnannavar for several hours. When they visited the apartment, they found him lying in a pool of blood with fatal stab injuries. His son was discovered alive with serious injuries and was rushed to a private hospital, where he remains under treatment.

Police Commissioner N. Shashikumar said Dr. Priyanka gave different explanations about her husband's whereabouts when relatives and friends called. He added that she appeared to be in shock and that "her words are confusing at this moment." Police have registered a murder case, detained her for questioning, and are continuing to gather forensic evidence to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Police Commissioner N. Shashikumar said only Dr. Kiran Honnannavar, his wife, and their son were believed to be inside the apartment at the time of the incident. He added that "the possibility of unknown visitors is very low," noting that the residential complex is covered by CCTV cameras. Officers are reviewing the footage along with forensic evidence to reconstruct the events leading to the doctor's death.

Republic World reported that investigators are examining whether an anesthetic drug may have been administered before the stabbing. However, Dharwad Police have not officially confirmed this detail.

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Anesthetic drugs are medicines used to prevent pain during medical procedures. Depending on the type and dose, they may reduce sensation, induce sleep, or temporarily block awareness. Because these medicines can affect breathing, heart function, and blood pressure, they are administered under close medical supervision by trained healthcare professionals.

Authorities have not confirmed whether any anesthetic drug was used in this case. Police said forensic evidence and the post-mortem examination will help establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Police said the motive behind Dr. Kiran Honnannavar's death has not yet been established. His eight-year-old son remains hospitalized as investigators continue recording statements, reviewing CCTV footage, and awaiting forensic and post-mortem findings.

Police Commissioner N. Shashikumar said the exact circumstances will become clear only after the investigation. "Why the incident happened, for what reason needs to be ascertained... We need to investigate what really happened," he told reporters, adding that a murder case has been registered and the inquiry is ongoing.

(Rh/TP/MSM)