Dharwad murder case: Eye doctor’s wife charged after husband’s death and son’s injuries

In a disturbing case from Dharwad, Karnataka, a leading eye surgeon, Dr. Kiran Honnavar, was found dead after a violent assault that also left his eight‑year‑old son, Nihit, with serious stab injuries. Police were alerted to the scene after residents heard a commotion at the Ranka apartment. On arrival, officers discovered the doctor’s body and the wounded child, who was quickly taken to a hospital where his condition has been stabilised. The investigation quickly focused on the doctor’s spouse, Pria Honnavar, who also practices ophthalmology. According to the police, she allegedly stabbed her husband, tried to kill her son, and later attempted to end her own life by injecting insulin, resulting in hypoglycaemia. When she was taken into custody she claimed to feel faint and was subsequently admitted to a hospital for treatment. She is now being held under police supervision at a medical institute in Hubli, awaiting clearance from doctors before a formal charge is filed. The family has lodged a formal FIR accusing her of murder and attempted murder, and investigators are still piecing together the motive behind the tragic event.