Mysuru: A man allegedly murdered his two stepbrothers with a machete over a long-standing property dispute in Arjunahalli village of K R Nagar taluk on Wednesday.
The accused has been identified as Rohith, while the deceased victims were identified as Raghu (35) and Harshavardhan (30).
According to police sources, the incident is linked to a prolonged family property dispute that had reportedly escalated over the past several years.
Family dispute reportedly behind murders
Investigators said the conflict originated within a divided family structure. Rohith was reportedly the son of Ramesh Raju’s first wife, Sudha, while Raghu and Harshavardhan were born to his second wife, Kamakshi, a teacher from Srirangapatna in Mandya district.
Police stated that tensions over ancestral property had existed among the family members for a considerable period.
The case has drawn further attention because the family had previously witnessed another violent incident. According to sources, Raghu had allegedly murdered his father, Ramesh Raju, around three years ago over the same property dispute at the family farmhouse in Arjunahalli.
Authorities believe the earlier murder deepened hostility within the family and contributed to the latest violent incident.
Accused allegedly lured brothers for settlement talks
Police said Rohith had allegedly invited both his stepbrothers from Srirangapatna on Wednesday under the pretext of discussing and settling the property dispute.
According to preliminary investigation findings, Harshavardhan was allegedly attacked first in Arjunahalli village. Rohith is accused of hacking him to death using a machete during the confrontation.
Following the attack, Raghu reportedly attempted to flee from the spot. However, police said Rohith chased him and allegedly murdered him in a similar manner near Kalyanapura.
The brutal nature of the killings created panic in the locality, and residents immediately informed the police.
Accused arrested by police
Personnel from K R Nagar Police Station rushed to the scene after receiving information about the murders.
Police subsequently arrested Rohith in connection with the double murder case. Authorities confirmed that a case has been registered and further investigation is currently underway.
Officials stated that the murder weapon has also been recovered as part of the investigation.
The bodies of Raghu and Harshavardhan were shifted for post-mortem examination before being handed over to family members.
Investigation underway into family dispute
Police are continuing to investigate the exact sequence of events leading to the murders and are recording statements from relatives and local residents.
Investigators are also examining the history of disputes within the family, including previous criminal cases related to property disagreements.
Officials said the incident highlights how unresolved family property conflicts can escalate into violent crimes if not addressed legally and peacefully.
The double murder has shocked residents of Arjunahalli and nearby villages in K R Nagar taluk, with many expressing concern over the recurring violence linked to the same family dispute.
Property disputes continue to trigger violent crimes
Police officials noted that property disputes remain one of the major causes of violent crimes in several parts of Karnataka, especially in rural areas involving ancestral land ownership and inheritance conflicts.
Authorities have urged families facing legal disputes over property to seek lawful settlement mechanisms rather than resorting to confrontation and violence.
Further investigation into the Mysuru double murder case is in progress.