Dharwad doctor allegedly kills husband, stabs son in apartment attack
Synopsis
A Dharwad ophthalmologist allegedly stabbed her anaesthetist husband to death and critically wounded their eight-year-old son before sitting beside them scrolling her phone — a scene investigators say was unlike anything they had seen. The accused was later hospitalised after an apparent insulin self-injection. The motive remains unknown.
Key Takeaways
Dr Priya Honnannavar alias Priyanka allegedly stabbed her husband Dr Kiran Honnannavar ( 45 ) to death at Ranka Apartment, Barakotri, Dharwad on 16 July .
Their eight-year-old son Nihit was critically injured in the attack but is now stable and out of danger.
The accused was found seated on the bed in a dazed state, reportedly scrolling her phone beside the victims.
Injections and medicines were recovered from the bedroom; Priyanka reportedly injected herself with insulin in an apparent suicide attempt.
She is currently admitted to Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), Hubballi , and police will take her into custody once doctors clear her.
The motive remains unclear; police are probing domestic issues and the family's background.
An ophthalmologist, Dr Priya Honnannavar alias Priyanka, allegedly stabbed her husband to death and critically injured their eight-year-old son inside their apartment in Dharwad on the night of Wednesday, 16 July, before reportedly sitting beside the victims and scrolling through her mobile phone for hours. The case has stunned investigators, with Hubballi-Dharwad Police Commissioner N. Shashikumar describing the scene as unlike anything officers had encountered in recent memory.
What Police Found at the Scene
When officers entered the family's flat at Ranka Apartment in the Barakotri area, they found Dr Kiran Honnannavar (45), an anaesthetist from Belagavi, lying dead in a pool of blood. Their son, Nihit, had sustained stab injuries but was still breathing. Priyanka was reportedly seated on the bed in a dazed state, phone in hand.
'When we entered the apartment, Dr Kiran was lying in a pool of blood. The child had suffered stab injuries but was still breathing. We immediately shifted him to a hospital,' Commissioner Shashikumar said. Nihit has since been declared stable and out of danger.
How the Incident Came to Light
Residents of Ranka Apartment alerted police on Wednesday night after growing concerned. Relatives of the family had also grown suspicious when repeated phone calls went unanswered. Investigators suspect Priyanka attacked her husband and son with a knife while they were asleep, following an alleged domestic dispute. The couple had been living in Dharwad for nearly 12 years.
Injections and medicines were recovered from the bedroom, raising further questions about the sequence of events.
Accused Hospitalised After Apparent Suicide Attempt
Priyanka later complained of dizziness and told doctors she had injected herself with insulin in what appeared to be a suicide attempt. Diagnosed with hypoglycemia, she was shifted to Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) in Hubballi for treatment.
'She is not in a condition to provide a statement at present. Once doctors certify she is medically fit, we will take her into custody and conduct a detailed investigation,' Commissioner Shashikumar said.
Motive and Investigation
The motive behind the alleged attack remains unclear. Police are probing domestic issues and the family's background. Kiran's family has lodged a formal complaint against Priyanka. Investigators believe a clearer picture will emerge only after she recovers and can be questioned. This is a case that underscores the often-hidden severity of domestic tensions, and authorities have indicated a thorough probe into the couple's recent history.
Point of View
Combined with the apparent insulin self-injection, suggests premeditation of some kind, yet the motive remains officially unestablished. Investigators will need to move swiftly once the accused is medically cleared: in high-profile domestic cases, delays in recording statements have repeatedly weakened prosecutions in Karnataka courts.
NationPress
17 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the Dharwad doctor case on 16 July?
Dr Priya Honnannavar alias Priyanka, an ophthalmologist, allegedly stabbed her husband Dr Kiran Honnannavar to death and critically injured their eight-year-old son Nihit inside their apartment at Ranka Apartment in Barakotri, Dharwad. The incident came to light on Wednesday night after residents alerted police.
What is the condition of the child, Nihit?
Nihit, the eight-year-old son of the couple, sustained stab injuries but was breathing when police arrived. He was immediately shifted to hospital and is now reported to be stable and out of danger.
Why is the accused, Dr Priyanka Honnannavar, not yet in custody?
Dr Priyanka is currently hospitalised at Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) in Hubballi after she reportedly injected herself with insulin in an apparent suicide attempt and was diagnosed with hypoglycemia. Police have said they will take her into custody once doctors certify she is medically fit to provide a statement.
What is the suspected motive behind the Dharwad attack?
The motive has not been officially established. Police are investigating domestic issues and the family's background. Investigators believe a clearer picture will emerge once the accused recovers and is formally questioned.
Who is Dr Kiran Honnannavar?
Dr Kiran Honnannavar, aged 45, was an anaesthetist originally from Belagavi. He had been living with his wife and son in Dharwad for nearly 12 years at the time of his death.
