A 19-year-old nursing student was allegedly murdered inside her paying guest (PG) accommodation in Chhattisgarh's Bhilai after repeatedly rejecting the advances of a man who police say was obsessed with her. The accused, identified as 24-year-old Pintu Sahu, has been arrested from Raipur after allegedly carrying out a premeditated attack using a knife he had purchased online.

The victim, Khushi Sahu, a native of Bemetara district, was pursuing a pharmacy course while living in a rented PG in Bhilai's Ramnagar locality under the Vaishali Nagar police station limits. According to investigators, the accused had been harassing her for nearly a month by calling from multiple phone numbers after she blocked his original contact.

Alleged Obsession Turned Fatal

Police said the incident occurred on Friday, July 10, when Pintu Sahu allegedly travelled from Raipur to Bhilai after failing to contact Khushi over the phone. Investigators believe he first called the victim twice, but the calls did not go through because his number had been blocked.

He then contacted Khushi's roommate, who reportedly informed him that Khushi did not have her mobile phone with her. Soon afterwards, the accused allegedly reached the PG accommodation while the roommate was taking a bath, leaving Khushi alone in the room.

According to the preliminary investigation, an argument broke out between the two. Police allege that the accused first tried to strangle the victim before attacking her multiple times with a knife.

Multiple Knife Injuries

Investigators said Khushi sustained around ten stab wounds on her back, hands and abdomen. She suffered severe blood loss and died from her injuries.

The accused also reportedly sustained injuries to his hand during the assault before fleeing the scene and heading towards Raipur.

When the roommate returned from the bathroom, she found Khushi lying in a pool of blood and immediately alerted the landlord and a nearby café owner. Police were informed through Dial 112, and the victim was rushed to hospital, where doctors declared her dead.

Victim Had Reportedly Raised Concerns Earlier

Police investigation has revealed that Khushi had informed her brother about a week before the incident that an unidentified man had been repeatedly calling and harassing her from different phone numbers.

Officials also said the accused had allegedly threatened the victim's brother two days before the murder. He is further accused of intimidating the owner of a café where Khushi worked part-time, allegedly pressuring him to make her leave the job.

According to investigators, the accused wanted Khushi to marry him despite her lack of interest.

Knife Purchased Online

Police said the weapon used in the crime had been purchased online, suggesting that the attack may have been planned in advance.

Following the murder, the accused allegedly escaped to Raipur, where he was later arrested. On Saturday, police brought him back to the crime scene in Bhilai to recreate the sequence of events as part of the investigation.

Officials are questioning him to determine when the alleged murder was planned and whether there were any additional preparations before the attack.

Investigation Continues

Khushi had recently returned to Bhilai after her brother dropped her at the PG on July 9. She was simultaneously pursuing her pharmacy studies in Bhilai while also appearing for BA examinations in Bemetara.

Police are expected to present further details after completing interrogation of the accused. The investigation is continuing to establish the complete sequence of events and gather additional evidence.

The incident has once again highlighted concerns over stalking, harassment and violence against women, with investigators examining whether earlier complaints and threats could have helped prevent the crime.