Bengaluru: A 37-year-old paying guest (PG) accommodation owner was allegedly beaten to death by two college students following an argument over washing their feet inside his premises in Bengaluru. The incident occurred near Kasturinagar Main Road under the jurisdiction of the Ramamurthy Nagar police station on Monday evening.
Police have arrested both accused and registered a murder case. The incident has shocked residents of the area, with investigators probing the exact sequence of events that led to the fatal assault.
The deceased has been identified as Madhav Matle, who owned and managed a PG accommodation facility in the locality.
Argument reportedly began over washing feet
According to police, the incident took place at around 6.30 pm when two college students were allegedly washing their feet using tap water inside the PG premises.
Matle reportedly objected to their actions, leading to a verbal altercation between him and the students.
Investigators said the two accused were not residents of the PG accommodation. What began as a minor disagreement soon escalated into a confrontation.
Police are examining witness statements and other evidence to establish the circumstances that led to the violent clash.
Students allegedly under influence of alcohol
Preliminary investigations suggest that the two accused may have been under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident.
Officials said this aspect is being examined as part of the ongoing investigation.
The alleged intoxication may have contributed to the escalation of the dispute, although police have not yet released the results of any medical examinations or tests.
Authorities are also investigating whether any prior interaction occurred between the accused and the victim before the incident.
Bat allegedly snatched during confrontation
According to police, during the argument, Matle reportedly brought a bat with the intention of confronting the two students.
However, investigators said the accused allegedly managed to snatch the bat from him during the altercation.
Police believe the bat was then used to assault Matle, causing severe injuries.
The victim reportedly collapsed after the attack and was later declared dead.
Forensic teams have collected evidence from the scene, and the weapon allegedly used in the assault has been seized for examination.
Murder case registered
Following the incident, Ramamurthy Nagar police registered a murder case and launched an investigation.
Both accused were arrested shortly after the incident and are currently in police custody.
Officials said further questioning is underway to determine the precise sequence of events and establish individual roles in the assault.
Police have also recorded statements from witnesses present in the vicinity at the time of the incident.
Accused identified as college students
Authorities identified the accused as Rakesh and Don Brite Son.
According to police, Rakesh is a final-year Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) student, while Don Brite Son is pursuing the first year of a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) course.
Investigators are gathering details about their backgrounds and movements before the incident.
Police have not disclosed the educational institutions attended by the accused.
Residents express shock
The incident has left local residents stunned, particularly because the dispute reportedly stemmed from a seemingly minor issue.
People living in the area described Matle as a businessman who managed the PG accommodation and was known within the neighbourhood.
Residents have expressed concern over the increasing instances of violent confrontations arising from everyday disagreements.
The incident has also sparked discussions about alcohol consumption and aggressive behaviour among young adults.
Investigation continues
Police said the investigation remains ongoing and additional details are expected to emerge after further questioning of the accused and analysis of forensic evidence.
Authorities are also reviewing CCTV footage from nearby locations to corroborate witness accounts and establish a complete timeline of events.
Further legal proceedings will be initiated based on the findings of the investigation.
Conclusion
A Bengaluru PG owner lost his life after an argument with two college students allegedly escalated into a fatal assault. Police have arrested the accused and registered a murder case. As investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident, the case has raised concerns about how minor disputes can rapidly turn into tragic acts of violence.