Bengaluru: A 37-year-old medical shop owner was brutally hacked to death by a four-member gang on a busy road in Madiwala on Saturday night, leaving motorists and pedestrians shocked.

The victim, identified as Suhail from Mangammanapalya, was travelling towards Koramangala on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle with his friend Saif when the attack took place near St John’s Hospital around 9.45 pm.

Gang attacks victim in traffic

According to the preliminary investigation, Suhail and Saif were caught in a traffic jam on the main road when the attackers allegedly arrived on two motorcycles and surrounded them.

The masked gang reportedly attacked Suhail with two swords and machetes in full public view. He fell onto a nearby scooter following the assault, while three two-wheeler riders reportedly abandoned their vehicles and fled the scene.

Saif also ran from the spot. The attackers allegedly left only after confirming that Suhail was dead.

Suhail suffered severe injuries and died at the scene.

Police probe possible rivalry

Police initially suspected that the murder could be linked to an old rivalry. They also examined a possible connection with the January murder of rowdy-sheeter Shabbir, in which Suhail’s brothers were among the accused.

However, Police now suspect that Suhail may have been targeted by another gang with whom he allegedly had a previous enmity.

Suhail himself had no previous criminal cases and was reportedly leading a normal life while running a medical shop.

Special team formed to nab killers

Soon after the incident, some of Suhail’s family members reportedly gathered at the scene and confronted Police, demanding action against those responsible.

A senior Police officer said a few suspects had been detained and were being questioned.

Madiwala Police have registered a case under Section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and formed a special team to trace the attackers.

The murder also caused traffic disruption on Hosur Road and surrounding routes as passersby stopped at the scene. Police blocked the area to preserve the crime scene and continue the investigation.

Suhail is survived by his wife and children.