In Vijayanagara district’s Harapanahalli taluk, authorities have arrested a 24-year-old man and his 29-year-old friend for allegedly murdering the older brother’s 26-year-old sibling amid a heated property dispute. The suspects attempted to disguise the killing as a road accident, but investigators quickly exposed the ruse.
Details of the Fatal Dispute
The victim, Maralusiddesha from Hagari Shiranahalli village, handled family responsibilities including their land and a tractor. His younger brother, Patrigouda from the same village, repeatedly clashed with him and their mother over demands for his property share.
On March 13 afternoon, another argument erupted. Patrigouda stormed out, threatening to relocate to Bengaluru for work unless granted his portion. Maralusiddesha later searched for him, taking along friend Uttangi Narappa from Kadabagere village on a motorcycle.
The Staged Accident Unravels
Around 1 a.m., relative Jayappa informed the victim’s mother, Shanthamma—an Anganwadi worker—that Maralusiddesha had perished in a bike crash near Hosahalli Cross by Hiremegalagere. At Arasikere Government Hospital, Shanthamma observed severe head, chest, and facial injuries inconsistent with a typical accident. Notably, Patrigouda and Narappa emerged unscathed despite riding together.
Suspecting a weapon-fueled attack tied to the property feud, Shanthamma lodged a complaint at Arasikere Police Station.
Swift Police Action and Arrests
Officers detected foul play immediately and resolved the case within 24 hours. They arrested Patrigouda and Narappa, registering a murder case.
Superintendent of Police S. Jahnavi inspected the scene and commended the team, including DYSP Santosh Chouhan, CPI Mahantesh Sajjan, and PSIs Vijaya Krishna and Nagaratna, for their rapid resolution.
