SHIGGAON: In a shocking act of violence, a first-division contractor, Shivananda Kunnur (40), was brutally murdered on the outskirts of Shiggaon town late at night.

According to police reports, Shivananda was returning home in his car after dinner at a local hotel when he was ambushed by a gang of 6–7 assailants. Armed with iron rods and swords, the attackers viciously assaulted him, leaving him dead on the spot.

Haveri Superintendent of Police Anshu Kumar rushed to the scene along with a dog squad and fingerprint experts. An investigation is underway, with officials combing through forensic evidence for leads.

Family members of the victim have alleged that a long-standing property dispute may have been the motive behind the killing. The case has been registered under Shiggaon police station limits, and authorities are pursuing multiple angles in their probe.

The brutal murder has left the local community in shock and fear, as residents call for swift justice and the arrest of those involved.