Kidnapped real estate agent found murdered near Denkanikottai; ₹25 lakh contract killing angle suspected

Bengaluru : A shocking murder case has emerged in Bengaluru’s Anekal area after a kidnapped real estate agent was found brutally murdered in neighbouring Tamil Nadu. The victim, identified as Gopal alias Gopi, who was abducted on Saturday evening, was allegedly hacked to death by miscreants after being taken across the state border.

According to police sources, Gopal, a resident of Honnakalaspura village, was involved in real estate and financial dealings in and around Anekal on the outskirts of Bengaluru. On March 8 evening, a group of assailants reportedly intercepted his car near Karpur Gate and forcibly kidnapped him.

Investigators said the attackers rammed their vehicle into Gopal’s car before carrying out the abduction. Gopal was travelling with another person identified as Satish at the time of the incident. After the collision, the assailants allegedly attacked the victim and abducted him from the spot.

Police later discovered that the abductors had taken Gopal to the border region of Denkanikottai in neighbouring Tamil Nadu. There, he was reportedly hacked to death using sharp weapons. His body was found near Denkanikottai on Sunday morning, confirming fears that the kidnapping had turned into a murder case.

Preliminary investigation has revealed that the killing may have been carried out as part of a contract murder. Police sources said a man identified as Mohan Babu is suspected to have given a contract worth ₹25 lakh to eliminate Gopal. The accused allegedly hired a group of criminals who carried out the kidnapping and subsequent murder.

The incident triggered outrage among the victim’s family members and relatives. Soon after news of the murder spread, they staged a protest in front of the Anekal Police Station demanding immediate arrest of all those involved in the crime. The protesters insisted that the police take strict action against the culprits and ensure justice for the family.

Earlier, the police had launched a massive search operation to trace Gopal after he was reported missing. Based on a complaint lodged by the family, the Jigani Police Station had detained three suspects — Mohan Babu, Harish and Kiran — and questioned them regarding the kidnapping.

To trace the victim, seven special teams led by Anekal subdivision Deputy Superintendent of Police Mohan Kumar were formed, involving nine inspectors. The teams were deployed in various locations and were examining CCTV footage and other evidence.

However, the discovery of Gopal’s body has now shifted the investigation towards a murder case. Police are continuing their probe and efforts are underway to track down all those involved in the contract killing.