BENGALURU: A lawyer was allegedly shot dead outside his residence in Pattandur Agrahara, Bengaluru, late on Sunday night, with Whitefield police investigating whether a dispute over rent may have led to the killing.
The victim, identified as Manjunath, was reportedly at home with his wife when he received a phone call asking him to step outside. Preliminary information suggests that the caller asked him to come out to receive a rental payment.
When Manjunath stepped outside, one person allegedly offered to hand over the money, while another reportedly opened fire at his head. He sustained a critical gunshot injury and was rushed to Manipal Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
The incident reportedly occurred around midnight within the jurisdiction of the Whitefield police station, triggering concern among residents of the locality.
Lawyer called outside residence before shooting
According to preliminary reports, Manjunath received a phone call while he was at home with his wife. He was allegedly asked to step outside in connection with a rental payment.
After he came out, one of the individuals reportedly approached him with an offer to pay the rent. At that moment, another person allegedly fired a shot at his head.
The sudden attack left Manjunath critically injured. He was immediately taken to Manipal Hospital for emergency treatment, but doctors could not save him.
Police are investigating the sequence of events, including the phone call that brought Manjunath outside and the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Tenants suspected, rent dispute under investigation
Initial reports have suggested that the people suspected of involvement were tenants from Bihar who were staying at the victim’s house. Investigators are examining this information and looking into whether a disagreement over rent could have been the motive.
However, the motive has not been conclusively established, and the alleged involvement of the tenants remains subject to police investigation.
Officers are working to identify those responsible, establish their movements before and after the shooting, and determine whether the incident arose from a financial dispute or another underlying issue.
The circumstances in which the alleged assailants contacted Manjunath and arranged to meet him outside the house are also expected to form part of the inquiry.
Whitefield police investigate the killing
A case has been registered at the Whitefield police station. Investigators are gathering evidence and examining the preliminary information available to reconstruct the incident.
Police are expected to question relevant individuals and verify details relating to the tenancy and the alleged rental disagreement. Establishing the identities and roles of those involved will be a key part of the investigation.
The incident occurred during the late-night hours outside a residential property, and the shooting has caused alarm among people living in the neighbourhood.
The police investigation will seek to establish the precise motive, the sequence of events leading to the fatal gunshot and whether any other individuals were involved.
Further details are expected as the investigation progresses. Until the facts are established, the reported allegations concerning the suspects and the possible rent dispute remain unconfirmed.