BENGALURU: A shocking murder in the city’s Konanakunte area has left residents stunned after a young engineering student was allegedly killed by his friend following a dispute over a stolen gold chain. The deceased, identified as Rahul G D, a resident of Chunchaghatta, was a student of a private engineering college in Hulimavu.

Police said the accused, Preetham (19), who works as an office boy at a private firm, has been arrested and remanded to judicial custody. Preliminary investigations suggest that Preetham had stolen his mother’s gold chain a few days earlier in order to buy a new motorbike.

Heated argument turned fatal

According to the police report, the incident occurred on October 25 after Rahul allegedly informed Preetham’s mother about the theft. This disclosure reportedly led to a heated argument between the two friends.
“In a fit of rage, Preetham attacked Rahul with a knife before fleeing the scene,” a senior officer from the Konanakunte police station said.

Rahul sustained grievous injuries in the assault and was rushed to a nearby private hospital. Despite doctors’ efforts, he succumbed to his injuries late at night.

Police investigation and arrest

Based on a complaint filed by the victim’s family, the Konanakunte police registered a case of murder under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. Preetham was arrested soon after the crime came to light.
Investigators are now probing the sequence of events that led to the fatal confrontation and whether any other individuals were aware of the theft.

Family in shock

Rahul’s elder sister, Apoorva, expressed disbelief over the tragic turn of events.
“Our family had never heard about Preetham or how he became friends with my brother. We were also unaware of the gold chain theft, as Rahul had not shared anything about it with us,” she told Deccan Herald.

Neighbours and friends described Rahul as a quiet and well-behaved student, who kept to himself and focused on his studies. His death has sparked outrage among students in the area, with many demanding stricter measures against youth violence.

Police appeal for calm

Officials said counselling support will be offered to students at Rahul’s college, as the murder has caused significant distress among classmates. The police have urged the public to refrain from speculation and allow the investigation to proceed.

The body was handed over to the family after postmortem at Victoria Hospital, and final rites were performed on Monday.