Karnataka: Gram panchayat member hacked to death in Kolar district, says police

The deceased has been identified as Anil Kumar (38), a member of the Jayamangala gram panchayat in Malur taluk and a businessman

Bengaluru

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A gram panchayat member was hacked to death by some unidentified people in Kolar district on Saturday evening, police officials said.

The deceased has been identified as Anil Kumar (38), a member of the Jayamangala gram panchayat in Malur taluk and a businessman.

Police said the incident happened when Anil was going to Malur town on his two-wheeler. “He was followed and attacked by unknown assailants who struck him on the head with a machete at Kodihalli cross on the Kolar-Hosur highway, leading to his death. The assailants left behind the murder weapon at the crime spot before fleeing the scene,” a police official said.

“Prima facie it seems Anil had property dispute with a neighbour,” Malur circle inspector B Vasanth told HT. “We have registered a case under section 302 (murder) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and are investigating all the angles. We are examining the CCTV footage for more clues,” he added

Anil had a property dispute with a neighbour over the last few years. A site near his house was encroached upon by a person and Anil was trying to get the site, police said.

People familiar with the matter said Anil, who hailed from Meenasandra village in Malur taluk, was known for his dedication to public service and had earned a reputation in the village. He had close ties with Malur MLA KY Nanjegowda.