The Madanayakanahalli police tracked down a 31-year-old private firm employee who allegedly strangled his female friend to death at a house in Thammenahalli recently.

The accused, Premavardhan, a native of Chittoor and an employee of a stock-market firm in his hometown, was reportedly in a relationship with the victim, Devisri, 21, also from the same region.

The police said that Devisri had moved to Bengaluru after completing her PU studies to pursue a BBA degree and lived with a friend in a rented house. The accused frequently visited her at the accommodation.

According to investigators, Premavardhan recently grew suspicious about Devisri’s closeness with another male friend and objected to her chatting with him. When he visited her on the day of the incident, the disagreement escalated into a heated argument.

In a fit of rage, the accused allegedly assaulted her and strangled her to death, before locking the house from outside and fleeing.

The incident came to light when Devisri’s brother, Jayanth, who was unable to reach her over phone, arrived at the house and found her dead.

Based on his complaint, the police registered a case and launched a search. The accused was traced to Tirupati, where he had fled after the murder and even tonsured his head in an attempt to conceal his identity.

The police have taken him into custody for further investigation.