Mandya: In a gruesome incident, an unidentified young woman was allegedly murdered and her body partially burnt in an apparent attempt to destroy evidence. The incident came to light near Javanagahalli Hill in Malavalli taluk on Thursday.The partially charred body was discovered in a secluded area near Javanagahalli Hill along the Malavalli–Kollegal State Highway. Preliminary investigations suggest that the deceased was 18 years old, though her identity is yet to be established.According to police sources, the perpetrators are suspected to have committed the murder at another location before transporting the body to the isolated spot. They allegedly poured a flammable substance, believed to be petrol or kerosene, over the body and set it ablaze before fleeing.The crime was detected after locals noticed smoke and a foul smell emanating from the area. Upon closer inspection, they found the burnt body and immediately alerted police. Belakavadi PSI Prakash rushed to the spot and conducted a preliminary investigation. A canine squad and fingerprint experts were also deployed to collect evidence.Mandya SP VJ Shobharani, Malavalli DSP Yashwanth Kumar and circle inspector BS Sridhar visited the scene and reviewed the spot. Following an inquest, the body was shifted to Malavalli Public Hospital mortuary for a postmortem. Police have circulated details of the case to neighbouring police stations in an effort to identify the victim. A murder case has been registered at Belakavadi police station, and further investigation is underway.
