CHIKKAMAGALURU : A Congress worker was hacked to death in a violent clash between two groups at Sakharayapatna in Kadur taluk, Chikkamagaluru district, on Friday night, the police said.
The victim was identified as Ganesh Gowda (38), also a gram panchayat member. According to the police, an argument erupted on Friday evening near a local bar over the removal of a banner. The dispute later escalated into a fresh confrontation around 10.30 pm near Kalmurudeshwara Mutt, where Gowda was attacked with weapons. He died on the spot. Two members of the rival group suffered serious head injuries and were admitted to the Mallegowda Government Hospital.
Gowda was reportedly planning to contest the upcoming zilla panchayat election from the Sakharayapatna constituency.
Chikkamagaluru SP Vikram Amte said four special teams had been formed to trace the accused. “The motive is under investigation,” he said.
CM promises action
CM Siddaramaiah condemned the murder in a post on ‘X’, expressing deep grief over the death and offering his condolences to the family. He said his government would ensure that those responsible for the crime and the forces behind them are identified and punished with the maximum penalty under the law. “We will, solely through the rule of law, firmly confront every terrorist who takes up arms against people who desire peace and harmony. Our party and government will stand firmly with the family of the deceased Ganesh,” the CM added.
Meanwhile, Chikkamagaluru district in-charge minister KJ George met the bereaved family. Kadur MLA K S Anand termed the killing a premeditated crime. Chikkamagaluru MLA HD Thammaiah demanded the arrest of the accused and strict punishment, stating that Ganesh had played an active role in organising the Congress in Sakharayapatna region.
Meanwhile, Congress workers staged protests in Sakharayapatna on Saturday, blocking the road and setting ablaze tyres after stopping the ambulance carrying the body following the postmortem. The agitation was withdrawn after Additional SP Jayakumar assured a thorough probe and early arrests. Gowda’s last rites were held later in the day at Sakharayapatna.
Shops remained closed in Sakharayapatna as a precautionary measure. Police have registered a case against Sanjay Gowda, Nithin and three others in connection with the murder.