Woman found murdered in Goa forest; One held

 

By Sagaya Fernando | June 18, 2025

Goa, INDIA: In a chilling incident that unfolded in the forested region of Pilliem in South Goa, the body of a 22-year-old woman from Bengaluru was discovered on Monday June 16 morning with her throat slit. Police have arrested a man, identified as Sanjay Kevin M, also 22 and a resident of Bengaluru, in connection with the murder.

According to the police, the two had been in a long-term relationship since their school days. Preliminary investigations suggest that the motive behind the killing was rooted in jealousy, with the accused allegedly suspecting the victim of being involved with another man.

The pair had embarked on a trip to Goa after meeting near Haveri in Karnataka. They traveled by bus from Hubballi and arrived in Goa on Sunday June 15. Police said the accused lured the woman into a wooded area near Pilliem in Dharbandora, where he fatally attacked her with a knife he had brought along, claim the police.

Following the incident, he reportedly took her phone and fled the scene, later boarding a taxi back to Hubballi. During initial interrogation, the suspect told investigators he had contemplated ending his own life after the crime.

A murder case has been registered at the Ponda Police Station. A comprehensive crime scene examination was conducted with the assistance of forensic experts, a dog squad, and technical teams.

The breakthrough came when police discovered a bus ticket in the victim’s possession, which led them to analyze CCTV footage from local transport hubs. The investigation swiftly led to the identification and arrest of the accused within 24 hours, thanks to collaboration between Ponda police and their counterparts in Hubballi.

South Goa Superintendent of Police Tikam Singh Verma called it a “blind murder case” that was quickly and efficiently solved through coordinated police work.

In a statement, Goa Police confirmed that the accused had confessed to an argument with the victim during their journey and admitted to committing the murder due to personal relationship issues.

The victim, who worked as a non-teaching staff member at a school in Bengaluru, had no prior indication of being in danger, police said. The accused is currently in custody, and further investigation is ongoing.