Bengaluru: A real estate businessman was brutally murdered by a gang of armed assailants in broad daylight at Yelahanka New Town on Friday morning, November 13. The victim, identified as Charan Gowda, owner of Dhani Properties, was attacked with lethal weapons while arriving at his office with his wife.
According to the police, Charan had driven to his office with his wife when the assailants, who were allegedly waiting for him, launched a sudden attack. His wife had reportedly proceeded towards the office on the second floor when the attackers struck Charan shortly after he stepped out of the car.
The assailants allegedly attacked him with weapons, inflicting severe injuries to his head and other parts of his body. He died at the spot.
Wife witnesses attack as assailants flee
Charan’s wife reportedly witnessed the attack and raised an alarm. However, the assailants fled immediately after the murder, before help could arrive.
The incident occurred within the limits of Yelahanka New Town police station and triggered panic in the locality. The broad-daylight killing has raised concerns among residents and business establishments in the area.
On receiving information, police personnel rushed to the scene and initiated an investigation. The body was shifted to Yelahanka Government Hospital for further procedures.
Investigators have also gathered preliminary information from Charan’s wife regarding the attackers and the sequence of events leading to the murder. Her account is expected to assist the police in establishing the circumstances of the crime.
Police suspect land dispute angle
Charan had reportedly been involved in the real estate business for nearly 10 years in Yelahanka, Yelahanka Satellite Town and surrounding areas. He owned Dhani Properties and operated an office in the locality.
The police suspect that a land dispute could have been behind the murder. However, the motive has not yet been established, and investigators are examining other possible circumstances connected with the killing.
The office building also houses a Punjab National Bank branch on the ground floor. Police are collecting CCTV footage from the building and nearby locations to identify the assailants and reconstruct their movements before and after the attack.
Special team formed to trace attackers
Senior police officials said a special team had been formed to trace and arrest those involved in the murder.
Investigators are examining the possible land dispute angle and gathering evidence to determine how many people participated in the attack. They are also trying to establish the route taken by the assailants while escaping from the scene.
The police are expected to analyse CCTV recordings and other available evidence as part of the investigation. Further details about the motive and the identities of the attackers are awaited.
The killing of the businessman outside his office, in the presence of his wife, has brought renewed attention to the need for a thorough investigation into violent crimes linked to property and business disputes in Bengaluru.