A 22-year-old girl was found dead under mysterious circumstances at Kuntalpady, Balthila village, in Bantwal taluk on Monday. The victim was staying at her aunt’s house in Manipal where she was working. She was also preparing to apply for a new course in a college. A few locals had seen her around 1.30 pm. She had left her aunt’s house on Monday morning to go home at Kuntalpady. However, she had not informed her parents about her visit.
The incident came to light when, Vidya, a neighbour of the victim, found a mobile phone on the road. She also attended a call from an acquaintance of the girl by which she was able to identify her. Later, she found footwear, a bag and a veil on the road.
Bantwal rural police detained one Satish, who was earlier involved in criminal activities.Sources said that the detained person was teasing the victim a few months ago. Though, the locals suspected the case as rape and murder, the police have not confirmed it.