Brutal midnight murder shocks Mysuru; youth stabbed to death in Udayagiri

Mysuru: Another shocking murder has rocked the cultural capital of Mysuru, triggering fear and tension among residents. A 26-year-old youth was brutally stabbed to death near a shop in Udayagiri Bidi Colony in the early hours of Sunday, January 19. The victim has been identified as Shahbaz, a resident of the same locality.

According to police sources, Shahbaz was sitting in front of a shop after closing it around 1 am when a group of assailants allegedly attacked him with knives and long blades. The attackers chased him briefly before stabbing him repeatedly on the head, chest, neck and abdomen. Shahbaz succumbed to his injuries on the spot, while the accused fled the scene.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the murder may be linked to old enmity and disputes related to illegal finance activities in the area. Police said the prime accused, identified as Zubair, along with his associates, was involved in money-lending and alleged meter-baddi operations. Shahbaz had reportedly opposed these activities and had even lodged complaints with the police earlier.

Police sources revealed that about four months ago, Zubair and his associates had allegedly created a ruckus in front of Shahbaz’s shop following arguments over finance-related issues. Additionally, there were disputes over parking auto-rickshaws on a vacant plot near Shahbaz’s house, where a daily collection of ₹20 per auto was reportedly being made. These recurring conflicts are believed to have escalated into the fatal attack.

Both the victim and the accused hail from the same area, adding to tensions in the locality. Shahbaz ran a welding shop in Gausia Nagar and was known to be vocal against what he saw as exploitation of locals through illegal money-lending.

Udayagiri police have registered a murder case and launched an investigation. Teams have been formed to trace and arrest the accused, who are currently absconding. Police officials said the exact motive behind the murder will be confirmed only after a detailed investigation and questioning of suspects.

The incident has once again raised concerns over rising violent crimes in Mysuru and the need for stricter monitoring of illegal activities at the local level.

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