Bengaluru: A 40-year-old medical shop owner was hacked to death in full public view near Madiwala on Saturday night, with police now investigating a possible revenge motive behind the attack. Five key suspects have reportedly been apprehended in connection with the murder.
Attack at traffic signal
The victim, identified as Syed Suhail, a resident of Mangammanapalya who ran a medical shop in Bommanahalli, was travelling towards Koramangala when he was caught in traffic near Madiwala Main Road at around 9.45 pm.
According to police, four assailants arrived on two motorcycles and surrounded Suhail before attacking him with machetes and swords. The assault took place in front of other motorists and pedestrians. Suhail suffered severe injuries and died at the scene. A weapon was recovered from the spot.
The incident caused panic among people in the area and also disrupted traffic as police secured the crime scene and began collecting evidence.
Police probe possible revenge motive
Police initially suspected that the killing could be linked to the murder of Shabbir in Bandepalya in January. Suhail’s brothers were allegedly linked to that case, while Suhail himself had no known criminal record.
Investigators are examining whether the attackers targeted him because of his family’s alleged connection to the earlier murder. However, police are yet to establish the exact motive and are continuing to verify different leads.
Five suspects apprehended
Following the murder, three special teams were formed under senior officers of the Southeast Division and Madiwala sub-division. Police subsequently apprehended five key suspects on August 23, according to reports.
Investigators are examining CCTV footage and the victim’s movements before the attack to establish how the assailants tracked him and whether the murder was pre-planned.
The investigation is continuing, while police are working to establish the precise role of each suspect and the circumstances that led to the killing.