19-year-old woman found murdered at Bengaluru hotel; police searching for her friend

“According to check-in details, both had entered the hotel around 12.30 pm on November 23. CCTV footage shows that the boy left the room around 8.30 am today,” said D Devaraj, Deputy Commissioner of Police (East).

Preliminary investigation has revealed that Hanoy had carried a knife in his bag while checking in, Devaraj said, adding that he had ordered a nylon rope from Zepto during their stay at the hotel. “We think he got the knife and came prepared to commit murder,” he said.

Rekha’s body was found with multiple injuries and the major cause of her death is ascertained to be stabbing on the chest. Injuries were found in her head too. Hanoy is suspected to have killed Rekha either on November 24 or 25.

Rekha was living with her sister and cousin at a paying guest facility in Hoodi, Bengaluru. Her sister told the police that she and Hanoy had been in touch with each other over the past few months. Hanoy was employed in a private firm in the city.

Devaraj said Hanoy’s phone has been switched off since he left the hotel, adding that the motive for the murder will become clear once he is nabbed.