An aggrieved 28-year-old man allegedly stabbed his lover more than 16 times in full public view outside her office in east Bengaluru, India on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, after her parents rejected their wedding plans because he was from a different caste.

Police have identified the victim as Leela Pavithra Nalamati from Kakinada, AP. She was an employee of Omega Healthcare Management Services Private Limited in Murugeshpalya.

The accused, Dinakar Banala, from Srikakulam, Andhra, is also a healthcare worker at a company in Domlur.

Police from Jeevan Bhima Nagar rushed to the spot and arrested Dinakar.

CP (east) Bheemashankar S Guled said the murder took place around 7.30pm, outside the victim's office.

"Preliminary investigation revealed Dinakar and Leela fell in love five years ago and decided to get married. But the girl's family was not ready for the wedding because the groom belonged to a different caste," the police officer said.

"Leela then informed Dinakar that her family would not agree to their marriage and she would have to abide by that decision. This angered Dinakar who then stabbed Leela multiple times," said Guled.

According to police, Dinakar came to Leela's office and waited outside. Once she stepped out, the duo had an argument. Dinakar then took out a knife and stabbed her more than 16 times in full public view.