32-year-old telecaller was fatally stabbed by her husband in public

BENGALURU: A 32-year-old telecaller died after being allegedly stabbed 11 times by her husband in full public view near Sunkadakatte bus stand on Magadi Road Monday in the presence of their 12-year-old daughter.K Rekha, a mother of two daughters and originally from Channarayapatna in Hassan, had married Lohitashwa from Sira in Tumakuru district, and the couple lived at Kebbehalli. Rekha, who worked in a call centre at Tavarekere, Magadi Road, had recommended Lohitashwa for a job, and he worked as a cab driver in the same office. It was a second marriage for both Rekha and Lohitashwa, preliminary police investigations revealed.

The attack took place when Rekha and her older daughter were waiting to cross the road, according to eyewitnesses. “Lohitashwa suddenly surfaced, stood near her, and the two exchanged heated words. Lohitashwa, at one stage, lost control, abused Rekha loudly before pulling out a knife and repeatedly stabbing her,” police said.The daughter tried to stop him, but in vain. Before the public rushed to help, Lohitashwa fled the scene. A profusely bleeding Rekha was shifted to a nearby private hospital, where she died. There were at least 11 stab wounds on her body, police said.The elder daughter, who was in shock, told police that all she knew was that Lohitashwa and Rekha had been fighting over some issue regularly. “We need to take her for counselling before asking any more questions. She is an important eyewitness in the case, and her statements are vital,” police said.The couple’s other daughter, who is nine years old, lives with Rekha’s parents at Channarayapatna.