BENGALURU: A 38-year-old rowdy-sheeter was brutally murdered by a gang of armed assailants. The incident took place near Garuda Mall in the Ashok Nagar police station limits in the wee hours of Sunday. Old rivalry is suspected to be the reason.
The deceased has been identified as Haider Ali, a resident of Anepalya. He had been involved in criminal activities since 2014. A rowdy sheet was opened against him at the Ashok Nagar police station, with 11 cases registered against him across various police stations in the city, including attempt to murder, theft, and robbery.
As the news of his murder spread, Ali’s supporters gathered near the Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital, some allegedly brandishing machetes, creating a ruckus and shouting near the hospital premises. It is reported that Ali’s brother was associated with a political party.
According to the police, around 1.30 am on Sunday, Ali was returning home from a pub on Church Street. He was riding pillion with his friend. A gang of bikers followed their two-wheeler till Garuda Mall, where a car parked earlier intercepted their bike. Ali’s friend was slapped by the assailants and Ali was stabbed by one of them. As Ali fell of the bike, the assailants hacked him to death using lethal weapons and escaped from the scene.
The police further added that Ali’s friend, along with passersby, rushed him to hospital, but doctors declared him brought dead due to severe stab wounds and head injuries. It is suspected that the motive behind the murder to be an old rivalry. The attack was so brutal that over 50 injury marks were found on Ali’s body, the police added.
Speaking to reporters, Deputy Commissioner of Police of Central division, Chandrashekar HT, said on Sunday that two special teams have been formed to investigate the case and nab the assailants. A case has been registered at Ashok Nagar police station based on a statement given by Ali’s friend. The police are analysing CCTV footage, and further investigation is underway.