19-year-old paramedical graduate found murdered on Dharwad outskirts; police launch probe

Dharwad: In a shocking incident, a 19-year-old woman who had completed her paramedical education and was searching for a job was found brutally murdered on the outskirts of Dharwad.

The victim, identified as Zakia Mulla, a resident of Gandhi Chowk in Dharwad, had gone out on Tuesday evening stating she was visiting laboratories in search of employment. Her body was found early Wednesday morning, triggering outrage and concern over women’s safety in the region.

According to police sources, Zakia left her house after lunch and informed her family that she would return after enquiring about work at diagnostic laboratories. However, she did not return home even late into the night. Worried family members searched for her and later lodged a missing complaint with the Dharwad Town police.

On Wednesday morning, Zakia’s body was found near Vinay Dairy, close to Mansoor Road on the city’s outskirts, an area reportedly linked to Congress MLA Vinay Kulkarni. Locals who noticed the body alerted the police, following which senior officials rushed to the spot.

Preliminary observations have raised strong suspicions of murder. Blood was reportedly seen near the victim’s mouth, and police suspect that she may have been strangled using her own veil. “Initial evidence points towards death by strangulation. However, the exact cause will be confirmed after the post-mortem,” a police officer said.

Dharwad Superintendent of Police Gunjan Arya described the case as serious and said multiple angles are being examined. “We received information early this morning about a young woman’s body being found. The deceased had left home yesterday afternoon. At present, we suspect death due to strangulation. The forensic team has inspected the spot, and further clarity will emerge after the medical examination,” the SP said.

He also confirmed that Zakia had sent a message to her family late on Tuesday night. “The content and timing of that message are being verified as part of the investigation,” SP Arya added.

Police are also probing whether Zakia was killed elsewhere and her body dumped at the location to destroy evidence. Teams from Dharwad Rural and Vidyagiri police stations have conducted spot inspections, while CCTV footage from nearby roads and establishments is being analysed to trace her last movements.

The body has been sent for post-mortem, and a case has been registered at the Dharwad Rural police station. Further investigation is underway to identify the accused and establish the motive behind the crime.

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