Bengaluru: A 41-year-old real estate agent who was kidnapped near Anekal on Sunday evening was later found murdered in a forest area near Denkanikottai in neighbouring Tamil Nadu, police said on Monday. The incident has shocked residents of the region and triggered protests by the victim’s family members demanding swift action against those responsible.
Police identified the victim as Gopal, who had been involved in real estate and financial dealings for several years.
Kidnapped after car intercepted
According to senior police officials, Gopal was allegedly abducted by a group of assailants near the Karpur Village Gate area close to Anekal.
Preliminary investigation suggests that the attackers intercepted Gopal’s car by ramming it from the rear. After forcing the vehicle to stop, the suspects reportedly dragged him out and abducted him in another car.
Police believe the abduction was planned and executed by a gang that had been tracking the victim’s movements.
Officials said the kidnappers then transported Gopal across the state border into Tamil Nadu.
Body found in forest area
Investigators said the accused allegedly took Gopal to a forested area near Denkanikottai in Tamil Nadu, where he was brutally attacked.
Police said he was hacked to death using sharp weapons.
The body was discovered on Monday, following which local police informed their counterparts in Karnataka.
A forensic examination and other legal procedures are being carried out as part of the investigation.
Contract killing suspected
Preliminary findings indicate that the murder may have been a contract killing.
A senior police officer said the crime was allegedly planned by Mohan Babu, who is believed to have offered ₹25 lakh to hired assailants to eliminate Gopal.
Police said Mohan Babu and the victim were previously involved in business together and had later developed serious disputes.
Investigators suspect that the differences over business matters may have led to the alleged conspiracy to murder Gopal.
Suspects taken into custody
Police have taken three suspects into custody in connection with the case.
Those detained include Mohan Babu and two of his associates. During preliminary interrogation, Mohan Babu reportedly admitted that he and Gopal were former business partners and had disagreements related to financial dealings.
Police said these disputes may have escalated and eventually resulted in the alleged murder plot.
Investigators are currently verifying the statements made by the suspects and gathering additional evidence to establish the sequence of events.
Family protests outside police station
Following news of the murder, family members and relatives of the victim staged a protest in front of the Anekal police station.
The protesters demanded the immediate arrest of all those involved in the crime and strict legal action against the accused.
The protest led to tension in the area for some time before police officials intervened and managed to bring the situation under control.
Authorities assured the family members that the investigation would be conducted thoroughly and that all individuals involved in the crime would be brought to justice.
Investigation continues
Police teams are continuing their investigation to identify other possible suspects and determine whether more individuals were involved in planning or executing the murder.
Officials are also examining the victim’s financial and business transactions to understand the background of the dispute that allegedly led to the crime.
Further developments in the case are expected as the investigation progresses.