BENGALURU: Former driver Kiran has been arrested in connection with the murder of Karnataka Mines and Geology Department Deputy Director KS Prathima aged 45. The accused was arrested by the Bengaluru police who stated that he confessed to the crime. The accused claimed that Prathima was killed because she fired him.

Kiran had been employed as a contract driver for the past five years. Following the incident, he travelled to Chamarajanagar, which is 200 km from Bengaluru. Initial investigations revealed that Prathima remained in the office until 6 pm on Saturday. Subsequently, it was discovered that she was taken to an apartment by the driver assigned to replace Kiran around 8 pm.

The police reported that the murder occurred between 8 pm on Saturday and 8 am on Sunday. The victim's neck was strangled and her body was cut with a weapon. Prathima had recently conducted raids in certain locations leading colleagues and others to suspect the involvement of the mining mafia in her murder.

Prathima's brother attempted to contact her by phone the previous night and yesterday morning but received no response. Her body was found following this. The incident occurred while her husband was visiting his hometown in Thirthahalli leaving Prathima alone in the house.