Panambur-sub-division ACP M Puttamadaiah said, Malathi (20), an employee of a private firm was walking home after work through an isolated forest route in Padukonaje village, when Harish followed her and took her to a lonely place after gagging her. She was then sexually assaulted by Harish. When Malathi regained consciousness and tried to use her mobile phone, she was strangled to death. The teenager then repeated the sexual act and robbed her chain, mobile phone and money.

Malathi's body was found in a bush by her family who had started searching for her as she had not returned home at 6 pm, the time she usually returns.

On a tip off, Harish was taken to custody by the police and during the interrogation he admitted to the crime. A case has been registered in the Moodbidri Police Station. Mulki CPI Shivprakash is investigating the case.