Residents of Hampasandra in Chikkaballapur district were shocked by gunshots and chaos early Wednesday morning when a villager opened fire at his elder brother and nephew, killing one on the spot.
The deceased, Nazeer Ahamad (60), was shot by his uncle, Bashir Ahamad (65). Nazeer’s father, Mahaboob Sab (90), a farmer, sustained severe injuries while trying to intervene.
According to the police, Bashir attacked Nazeer as he was heading to morning prayers. Hearing the gunshots, Mahaboob Sab rushed to help his son but was also attacked by Bashir with a machete. The Gudibande police arrived and transported the injured to the hospital, where Nazeer was declared dead on arrival. Mahaboob Sab was transferred to NIMHANS for treatment.
After the attack, Bashir fled to Bagepalli intending to kill his wife and children, who were at her parental home. However, his wife, Shahida, had been alerted about the incident and did not open the door. Bashir was subsequently arrested by the Bagepalli police.
Investigations revealed that Bashir, who had worked as a tailor in Saudi Arabia, had a long-standing dispute over ancestral property with his elder brother Mahaboob Sab. He had returned to India a few years ago and had been planning the attack for some time. He had previously acquired a country-made pistol from Bihar but had to abandon his plan when the gun malfunctioned. Recently, he obtained another pistol, which he used to shoot Nazeer.
Chikkaballapur SP Kushal Choksi confirmed that Bashir had attacked his family members due to the property dispute and suspicions of his wife’s infidelity. The police have registered a case of murder, attempted murder, and violations of the Arms Act against Bashir and have taken him into custody for further investigation.