Bengaluru: A 24-year-old man allegedly murdered his younger brother with the help of two friends and dumped the body near a lake earlier this month, in what police say was a premeditated killing driven by years of domestic conflict. The victim, Dhanraj, was reportedly known for violent behaviour, theft and repeated harassment of family members, which his elder brother, 28-year-old Shivaraj, claimed had become unbearable.
According to police, the crime unfolded after Shivaraj allegedly lured Dhanraj to Bengaluru on November 2 under the pretext of helping him find a job. The murder, carried out inside a moving car on Bannerghatta–NICE Road, was followed by a hurried disposal of the body and murder weapon, before officers eventually cracked the case through CCTV evidence and vehicle tracing.
Long history of conflict at home
Investigators said Shivaraj told them that Dhanraj lived with their parents in Kalaburagi district and had a long record of disruptive behaviour. He was allegedly involved in thefts, drinking, frequent fights and assaulting neighbours. According to police, the family had faced constant complaints from residents who accused Dhanraj of stealing mobile phones and even livestock.
The elder brother stated that he was also subjected to physical attacks whenever he questioned Dhanraj’s behaviour. The FIR notes that he told police he was “unable to endure the harassment” and felt trapped in an increasingly volatile home environment. Officers said this prolonged conflict appears to have fuelled the motive for the murder.
Murder planned with two friends
Police sources said Shivaraj, who works as a cab driver, conspired with his friends Sandeep and Prashant to kill his brother. He contacted Dhanraj and brought him to Bengaluru, promising assistance in finding employment.
On November 2, the three picked up the victim from Bannerghatta–NICE Road. Dhanraj, seated in the front passenger seat, was reportedly distracted by his mobile phone when the attack began. As per the investigation, Sandeep and Prashant grabbed him from behind. At that moment, Shivaraj allegedly struck him on the neck with a machete, killing him instantly.
The assault, carried out inside the vehicle, was swift and deliberate, police said.
Body dumped near lake, weapons discarded
After killing him, the trio allegedly drove towards Bannerghatta–Kaggalipura road to dispose of the body. They dumped the remains near a lake and discarded the bloodstained floor mat and machete near the Electronic City–NICE Road stretch.
According to investigators, the men attempted to erase signs of the crime before returning to their daily routines, assuming the body would not be traced back to them.
Discovery of decomposed body leads to probe
The case surfaced when police discovered a decomposed body on November 6. Initial suspicion leaned towards an unnatural death that might not have involved foul play. However, CCTV footage from a private company in the area changed the direction of the investigation.
A recording showed a car stopping and the body being dumped, prompting officers to track the vehicle registration. This led them straight to Shivaraj and his two accomplices.
All three were arrested within days, and police said they confessed during interrogation. A murder case has been registered, and the accused have been sent to judicial custody while further investigation continues.
Context of similar family-related killings
Police noted that the killing highlights a recurring pattern of violent family disputes escalating into extreme crimes. In a recent case in Pune, a man murdered his cousin over suspicion of an affair with his wife and attempted to dump the body in a remote forested area. Officers say such crimes underline increasing domestic tensions that, when unresolved, can lead to severe consequences.
Conclusion
The Bengaluru murder case has drawn public attention due to its brutality and the involvement of family members. Police continue to investigate the events leading up to the killing, with forensic reports and digital evidence expected to further strengthen the case. Officers said the motive appeared rooted in long-term domestic conflict, though they intend to examine all angles before filing a final report.