Contractor’s Murder Unveils Web of Betrayal, Crime, and Revenge in Kodagu

Kodagu Police have unraveled a chilling tale of betrayal, criminal backgrounds, and illicit affairs behind the murder of Sampath alias Shambhu, a wealthy contractor linked to the 2016 egg-hurling case involving Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

Three individuals — B.M. Kiran (44), his wife Sangeetha (35), and P.M. Ganapathi (44) — have been arrested. Kodagu SP K. Ramarajan revealed that longstanding personal conflicts, romantic entanglements, and financial disagreements led to Sampath’s death.

Sampath had a strained history — from being the prime accused in the 2016 political protest to being named in a 2023 POCSO case. He was also reportedly involved in illicit relationships, including one with Sangeetha. Tensions escalated when Kiran discovered the affair, prompting police complaints from both sides.

The trio had once planned a brick business together, with Sampath investing money. However, mistrust and disputes soured the partnership. Investigations showed the murder was premeditated. On May 9, Sangeetha lured Sampath to Hanagallu. Kiran and Ganapathi joined, confronted him, and assaulted him fatally with a stick and knife. His body was later dumped in a forest near Yasaluru using a friend’s car.

Ganapathi, also facing charges from the 2016 protest and a 2019 firearm case, had further personal conflicts with Sampath, who allegedly harassed his relative.

Senior officers, including Additional SP Barike Dinesh Kumar and Dy.SP Chandrashekhar, are leading the case, with more suspects under scrutiny. Police assured comprehensive legal action.

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