Police in India have identified four suspects after a 22-year-old woman was allegedly gang raped and murdered before her naked body was dumped in a well in Karnataka state. The suspects remain at large, and officers have launched an urgent manhunt.
Attack and discovery
The victim, identified by local police as Ashwini Thimmareddy, left her home on Wednesday evening (August 19) when the suspects allegedly began following her. They then reportedly approached her, carried out the attack, removed her clothing, and disposed of her body in a well before fleeing the scene.
After she was reported missing, her family found her slippers and water bottle near the well. Police recovered her body on Thursday morning, and detectives are now working to track down the suspects.
Suspects identified
The alleged attackers have been identified as Gundya Ramanna, 22, Mahantesh Huligappa, 22, Veeresh Rajappa, 23, and 45-year-old Basavaraj Mahadev. Officers from Sirwar Police Station are appealing for help from witnesses who may have relevant information.
Senior officers, including Superintendent of Police Arunangshu Giri and Deputy Commissioner Poovitha, visited the crime scene on Thursday. They said forensic evidence has been gathered and an investigation is underway.
Location and context
The attack took place in the town of Sirwar, in the Raichur district of Karnataka. Sirwar has a population of around 20,000 people and serves as a hub for roughly 30 surrounding villages.
