Doctor Found Dead in Dharwad Flat, Son Injured as Police Probe Domestic Dispute

New Delhi, July 16, 2026 A disturbing incident in Karnataka's Dharwad has raised serious questions as police investigate the death of a doctor inside his apartment. The case, which also left his young son critically injured, has prompted investigators to examine every aspect of what unfolded inside the secured residential complex. Authorities believe the incident may be linked to a domestic dispute, while the investigation continues to determine the exact sequence of events. The incident came to light after relatives forced open the door of the family's flat when repeated calls went unanswered. Inside, they found 45-year-old anaesthetist Dr Kiran Honannavar lying in a pool of blood with fatal stab wounds to his neck. His eight-year-old son was discovered in another room with serious stab injuries and was rushed to a private hospital, where he remains under treatment. Dr Priyanka, an ophthalmologist and the boy's mother, was found inside the apartment and has since been taken into custody for questioning. Hubballi-Dharwad Police Commissioner N Shashikumar said preliminary findings indicate that no outsider entered the apartment. The residential complex is highly secured, and investigators believe only the couple and their son were present inside the flat at the time. Relatives told police they had been trying to reach Dr Honannavar since Tuesday evening. According to the commissioner, Dr Priyanka answered the calls and gave different accounts, first saying her husband was resting, then that he had gone out. Investigators have described her as being in a state of shock and making inconsistent statements. Police have registered a murder case at the Suburban Police Station and are reviewing CCTV footage while questioning members of both families. Officials say the incident appears linked to a domestic dispute, although the motive and the exact chain of events are yet to be established. The child's reported autism is still awaiting official verification, and the post-mortem examination is expected to provide further clarity. Police have also found no evidence of any conflict with neighbours so far, and the investigation remains ongoing.