An ophthalmologist in Dharwad, Karnataka, is under police watch at a hospital after being accused of fatally stabbing her anaesthetist husband and seriously injuring their eight-year-old son on the night of Wednesday, 16 July. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, with investigators unable to record the suspect's statement pending medical clearance.

How the incident came to light

Residents of Ranka Apartment in the Barakotri area of Dharwad alerted police on Wednesday night after discovering a man and a child had been attacked inside the flat. Officers who rushed to the scene found Dr. Kiran Honnannavar (45), a well-known anaesthetist originally from Belagavi district, lying in a pool of blood. He was subsequently declared dead.

His son, Nihit, had sustained multiple stab wounds but was found alive. Hubballi-Dharwad Police Commissioner N. Shashikumar, who personally carried the injured child from the apartment after detecting signs of life, told reporters: 'We initially received information suggesting a double murder. When we reached the spot, Dr. Kiran was found dead. The child was also injured, but upon examination, we found that he was still breathing and immediately shifted him to a hospital.' Nihit is now reported to be stable and out of danger.

The suspect: What police know so far

Investigators suspect the attack was carried out by Dr. Kiran's wife, Dr. Priya Honnannavar alias Priyanka, an ophthalmologist. According to police, Priyanka allegedly stabbed her husband to death before turning the knife on her son. She was found sitting on a bed and reportedly using her mobile phone when officers entered the apartment.

Kiran's family has filed a formal complaint with police accusing her of the murder and the attack on the child, Police Commissioner Shashikumar confirmed. When taken into custody, Priyanka was reportedly in a state of shock, complaining of dizziness and feeling faint, and was unable to respond to questions.

Medical condition and insulin angle

Doctors who examined Priyanka determined she was suffering from hypoglycaemia — an abnormally low blood sugar level. She reportedly informed doctors that she had injected herself with insulin. 'Medical experts have stated that excessive insulin intake can lead to a severe drop in blood sugar levels,' Commissioner Shashikumar said. She has since been transferred to Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) in Hubballi, where she continues to receive treatment under police watch. Doctors have reportedly declared she is not currently fit to provide a statement.

Investigation status

Police say Priyanka will be formally taken into custody and subjected to detailed questioning once she receives medical clearance. Investigators are currently examining the family's background, possible domestic disputes, and other circumstances that may have preceded the attack. The motive, as of now, remains officially undetermined. A comprehensive investigation, officials say, will begin once her condition stabilises.