Obsession on Instagram Ends in Attempted Murder in Bengaluru
Summary: An Instagram obsession took a horrifying turn in Bengaluru’s HAL area as a man tried to slit a woman’s cousin’s throat while on a scooter. The attacker, driven by one-sided love, had been harassing the woman and threatening her family. The article details the shocking timeline of events, legal action taken, and the victim’s current condition.
Instagram Obsession Turns Violent in Bengaluru
A one-sided online romance turned deadly in the heart of Bengaluru.
In a spine-chilling case from the HAL area on July 17, a man attempted to kill a woman’s cousin by slitting his throat while riding pillion on a moving scooter.
The accused, Selva Karthik, hailing from Uthangarai in Tamil Nadu, reportedly developed an unhealthy obsession with a married woman he met on Instagram. Despite repeated rejections and clear warnings, he continued to harass and threaten her and her family.
Harassment Started on Instagram, Ended in Real-World Danger
Karthik first came across the woman on Instagram. Over time, his messages escalated into obsessive proposals and threats.
Though the woman, settled in Kaggadasapura with her husband, made it clear she had no interest, Karthik refused to back off.
In June, she returned to her parents’ home temporarily. Within days, Karthik showed up at her house, threatening her in front of her family and demanding that she talk to him.
Death Threats Pushed Family to Intervene
When questioned, the woman clarified that she only knew Karthik via Instagram, he wasn’t a friend. But Karthik’s obsession only deepened.
He threatened to kill her father and relatives if she didn’t leave her husband and accept him
Worried about their safety, her family rushed to Bengaluru to address the issue and protect her.
Shocking Knife Attack While Riding a Scooter
On the afternoon of July 17, Karthik called the woman’s father and asked him to meet near the BMTC bus stand in Malleswaram. The father and the woman’s cousin, Prashanth, went to meet him on a scooter.
Karthik persuaded them to ride together to Vibhutipura to discuss the matter. While riding, Prashanth in the middle and Karthik at the back, Karthik pulled out a knife and slashed Prashanth’s throat from behind, shouting threats to kill them both.
Public Intervenes, Victim in ICU
The woman’s father quickly pulled over and dodged a second attack, calling for help. Nearby locals heard the commotion and Karthik fled with the knife.
Prashanth was rushed to a nearby clinic, then shifted to Manipal Hospital, where he is in the ICU and recovering from his injuries.
What the Law Is Doing
Based on the father’s complaint, the police have registered a case under attempted murder and relevant IPC sections.
Selva Karthik is now in custody, and a thorough investigation is underway to assess his mental condition and motives.
Social Media Obsession Can Turn Deadly
This disturbing case is a reminder of how harmless online connections can spiral into real-world dangers when boundaries are not respected.
Families, especially women, must stay alert about online interactions turning obsessive or violent, and report them early.
Conclusion
From an Instagram follow to a near-fatal knife attack, this case highlights the dangers of unchecked obsession and digital harassment. With the attacker now in custody and the victim stable, justice may be on the way, but the trauma remains
Let this be a wake-up call to take social media threats seriously, before they turn into life-threatening realities.
Inputs from various media sources.
Dane
I am an MBBS graduate and a dedicated medical writer with a strong passion for deep research and psychology. I enjoy breaking down complex medical topics into engaging, easy-to-understand content, aiming to educate and inspire readers by exploring the fascinating connection between health, science, and the human mind.
