A visiting card found in the pocket of an unidentified murder victim proved to be the crucial clue that helped the Bengaluru Police identify the deceased and solve the case, leading to the arrest of his son and son-in-law for allegedly strangling him to death following a family dispute.

The deceased has been identified as Rafique (48), a resident of Bommanahalli and a native of Tamil Nadu. He worked as a bike mechanic at a shop on Hosur Road. Police arrested his son Syed Sharuk (26), a bike taxi captain, and son-in-law Shahinshah (36), an autorickshaw driver, in connection with the murder.

Body found near Singasandra Lake

According to the Electronic City Police, residents discovered the body of an unidentified man near a eucalyptus grove behind an apartment in Vittasandra village, close to Singasandra Lake, on July 4.

The victim had bleeding injuries and strangulation marks on his neck, prompting police to register a murder case. However, the investigation was initially hampered as there were no identity documents on the body and no missing person complaint had been filed.

Visiting card becomes breakthrough clue

During the search, investigators recovered a visiting card of a bike mechanic shop from the victim’s pocket. The clue led police to the shop on Hosur Road, where they confirmed the deceased’s identity and traced his residence in Bommanahalli.

When questioned, family members told police that Rafique had been taken away by his son and son-in-law on July 3, claiming they were taking him to a rehabilitation centre.

Family dispute turned fatal, say police

Police said Rafique had struggled with alcohol addiction for nearly eight years and frequently quarrelled with his family. Although he had earlier undergone rehabilitation, he reportedly resumed drinking after returning home.

Investigators alleged that following another heated argument, the accused assaulted Rafique and forced him into an autorickshaw, pretending to take him for treatment. During the journey, another altercation broke out, following which Shahinshah allegedly used a rope inside the vehicle to strangle him.

The accused then allegedly dumped the body near the eucalyptus grove to destroy evidence and did not inform other family members about the incident.

Based on the investigation and the accused’s alleged confession, the Electronic City Police arrested both men. Further investigation is underway.