Bengaluru: Bengaluru police have arrested one of the accused in the murder of advocate B. Manjunath, who was shot dead near his residence in Whitefield in October. The suspect, identified as 25-year-old Amit Kumar Dubey Vamshidhar, was apprehended in Bihar following a multi-state search operation.
The arrest marks a breakthrough in the investigation into the killing of the 43-year-old advocate. However, the prime suspect, identified as Pawan Kumar Dubey, remains at large, and police teams are continuing efforts to trace him.
Suspect arrested in Bihar
A special team from the Whitefield police station traced Amit Kumar Dubey to Baksa village in Bihar and took him into custody on Thursday, November 12.
According to police officials, the team had been searching for the accused across several states. Eight special teams were deployed to locations including Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Delhi, West Bengal and Bihar to track those involved in the murder.
Police are making arrangements to bring the arrested suspect to Bengaluru for further questioning. A transit warrant is being obtained to facilitate his transfer from Bihar.
Advocate shot dead near his residence
The victim, B. Manjunath, 43, was shot dead outside his residence in Pattandur Agrahara, Whitefield, on October 18. He was reportedly a lawyer and property owner who rented out rooms and sheds on his property.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the murder may have been linked to a dispute over unpaid rent. The two suspects, who were reportedly tenants of Manjunath and worked as delivery executives in Bengaluru, allegedly had an argument with him over outstanding rent payments shortly before the shooting.
According to the police investigation, the suspects allegedly returned later that night. One of them reportedly shot Manjunath at close range before both fled from the scene.
Second accused remains at large
The second accused, Pawan Kumar Dubey, is still absconding. Police have continued searches across multiple states to locate him.
Investigators are also examining the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including the source of the firearm and whether the murder was a result of a sudden escalation of the rent dispute or involved prior planning.
The police had earlier stated that they were also investigating the possibility of a contract killing. The exact motive and any possible involvement of others remain under investigation.
Investigation continues
The arrested suspect is expected to be brought to Bengaluru for detailed interrogation. Police will question him about the events leading up to the murder, the alleged role of the other accused and their movements after the shooting.
With one suspect now in custody and the alleged main shooter still at large, the investigation remains ongoing. Police are continuing efforts to establish the sequence of events and bring all those allegedly involved in the killing before the law.