Indian Tech Professional Returns from US and Fatally Stabs Parents Over Funding Dispute

Rohan Bhat, a software engineer who had just returned to India from the United States, has been arrested for the murder of his parents.

The HAL police apprehended Rohan, 33, on February 11, for fatally stabbing his father, Naveen Chandra, a former merchant navy captain, and his mother, Shyamala, a dentist, within their residence in Vignan Nagar, near HAL Township.

The incident was reported at around 7:30 AM after neighbors heard disturbances and rushed to the villa. Both parents were quickly transported to Manipal Hospital on Old Airport Road but were declared deceased upon arrival.

Following a complaint lodged by Dr. Madhavi Nair, a neighbor, authorities arrested Rohan shortly thereafter.

"While circumstantial evidence indicates Rohan's involvement in the murder, the precise motive remains unclear," a police official indicated.

Preliminary assessments suggest that Rohan may be suffering from schizophrenia, a severe mental disorder characterized by disrupted thinking or behavior.

"Rohan provides inconsistent accounts. Initially, he claimed that his father declined to loan him ₹4 lakh for a new venture. He subsequently altered his narrative, stating that a dispute erupted over changing his mobile plan. His unpredictable mood swings have led us to delay further questioning until his younger sister arrives from the U.S.," the officer added.

Investigations revealed that Naveen and Shyamala were originally from Mangaluru. Naveen had held positions in several cities including Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata before moving to Bengaluru approximately six years ago. Shyamala was employed at Chinmaya Hospital located in Indiranagar and also operated a small clinic out of their home.

Rohan obtained both his undergraduate and graduate degrees in the United States.

"As a software engineer, Rohan had worked with various companies before moving back to Bengaluru in 2023. He informed his parents that he was freelancing for multiple tech firms. Despite having conflicts with his father, he maintained a strong bond with his mother. Preferring solitude, he resided in a one-bedroom rented apartment in Varthur," an investigating officer stated.

On the evening of February 9, Rohan's parents returned to Bengaluru from a ten-day trip to Bhubaneswar. Rohan came home to greet them, and during their conversation, he requested financial support for his projects, which Naveen declined. The altercation escalated in the early hours of Wednesday morning when Naveen was preparing for his daily walk, prompting Rohan to repeat his request. Naveen reportedly shouted at him to leave the house, which Rohan claimed led to physical confrontation involving an airgun.

Authorities discovered that Rohan utilized a kitchen knife in the attack, although he insists he does not recall the events.

Dr. Madhavi Nair, the couple's neighbor, shared in her complaint that she received a call around 7:40 AM on Wednesday regarding an emergency at villa 112.

"I hurried outside and found Naveen lying in the garden of the house across the street. He had sustained numerous stab wounds," she recounted.

"Upon entering the house, I noticed Shyamala on the floor, unresponsive. I was informed that their son, Rohan, was inside. When I called for him to come out, he said he had been struck in the abdomen. I checked on Shyamala and did not detect a pulse," she recounted.

She also mentioned, "Shyamala had previously indicated to me that Rohan was experiencing mental health challenges and was under medication."

The police are currently awaiting Rohan’s psychiatric evaluation to determine the subsequent actions.