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An Arranged Marriage that began in the summer of 2025 ended in tragedy just months later. A Washington state software engineer has been charged with the death of his wife.

Prosecutors allege that Avinash Narne, 30, of Bellevue, strangled his wife inside their home. He allegedly viewed her as an "obstacle" to continuing a romantic relationship with another woman in India.

According to court documents, Narne has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the Oct. 27, 2025, killing. He is being held in the King County Jail on $5 million bail while the criminal case proceeds.

The victim's name has not been publicly released at the request of her family.

Police Say the Arranged Marriage Lasted Only Months

Investigators allege Narne and the victim entered into an arranged marriage in June 2025 after both families agreed to the union. According to police, the couple moved into their Bellevue residence the following month.

Arranged marriages remain a longstanding tradition in parts of India and other countries. While many arranged marriages are successful and entered into willingly by both partners, investigators allege this marriage quickly deteriorated because Narne maintained an ongoing romantic relationship with another woman.

Police claim digital evidence shows Narne remained emotionally involved with the woman both before and after his wedding.

The 2025 Death Investigation

The investigation began on Oct. 27, 2025, after emergency responders were called to the couple's home.

According to a probable cause affidavit, Narne told investigators he had returned home after running errands and discovered his wife locked inside a bathroom.

Responding officers forced open the bathroom door and found the woman lying face down on the floor. Emergency medical personnel attempted lifesaving measures before pronouncing her dead at the scene.

An autopsy later determined the manner of death was homicide and listed the cause of death as asphyxia caused by strangulation.

Investigators also reported finding traces of THC in the victim's urine. Court documents state detectives later began examining whether she may have unknowingly consumed marijuana before her death.

Detectives Challenge Narne's Account

According to investigators, Narne initially claimed his wife had been suffering from stomach problems and panic attacks on the day she died.

He allegedly told detectives he had left the house to purchase medicine after she complained of feeling ill.

However, investigators questioned aspects of his account after determining the bathroom door could be locked simply by turning the interior knob before closing it. Detectives concluded it was possible for someone to lock the door after leaving the room.

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Authorities also noted that Narne reportedly laughed before denying involvement when directly asked whether he had killed his wife.

Investigators have not publicly disclosed all of the physical evidence collected inside the residence, but prosecutors argue the available evidence contradicts Narne's version of events.

Digital Evidence Becomes Central to Arranged Marriage Case

A significant portion of the investigation centers on data recovered from Narne's electronic devices.

According to court records, detectives obtained search warrants for his cellphone, Google accounts, WhatsApp conversations and Instagram communications.

Investigators allege those records revealed an ongoing romantic relationship with a woman living in India.

Police claim Narne proposed to the woman in late 2024 and continued communicating with her after her parents rejected the engagement. Despite marrying someone else in June 2025, detectives say Narne continued exchanging romantic messages and expressing his desire to build a future with the woman.

Court documents further allege Narne invited the woman to attend his wedding ceremony, where she was reportedly present as a guest without his bride's knowledge.

Investigators Examine Additional Evidence

Investigators also said Narne participated in multiple audio and video calls with the woman on the day his wife died, including one call made during the period when he claimed he was attempting to gain access to the locked bathroom.

Detectives allege Narne failed to disclose those conversations during his initial police interview.

Court documents state detectives also reviewed text messages exchanged between the married couple during the weeks leading up to the woman's death.

According to investigators, the victim repeatedly complained that drinks prepared by Narne—including smoothies and coconut water—had an unusual bitter or medicinal taste.

Messages reportedly referenced beverages tasting like cough syrup or medicine.

Victim and Alleged Killer in Arranged Marriage 

After investigators discovered THC in the victim's system, Narne allegedly changed his earlier statements and acknowledged giving his wife marijuana to help her sleep.

Detectives continue investigating whether those circumstances played any role in the events leading up to her death.

Court documents also allege Narne continued communicating with the woman in India through WhatsApp after his wife's death and discussed a message that was later deleted.

Arranged Marriage Motive in Murder

Based on the evidence collected, prosecutors allege Narne had a motive to kill his wife because he viewed the arranged marriage as preventing him from pursuing the relationship he wanted.

Narne was arrested and formally charged with first-degree murder. He has not been convicted, and the allegations against him will be tested in court.

The criminal proceedings are expected to include extensive forensic evidence, digital communications, witness testimony and expert analysis as prosecutors seek to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt.

Relevant Links

• King County Superior Court: https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dja/courts-jails-legal-system/courts/superior-court
• King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office: https://kingcounty.gov/prosecutor
• Bellevue Police Department: https://bellevuewa.gov/city-government/departments/police
• Law&Crime: https://lawandcrime.com/