Chikkamagaluru :A simmering dispute over the removal of a Datta Jayanti banner in Sakharayapatna of Kadur taluk in Chikkamagaluru district ended in a brutal murder on Friday.
Congress worker Ganesh Gowda (40), who was also a member of the Sakharayapatna Gram Panchayat, was hacked to death with machetes by two men identified as Sanjay and Mithun, reportedly associated with the Bajrang Dal.
According to police, the clash broke out after objections were raised regarding the removal of a festival banner. In the violent altercation that followed, the assailants intercepted Ganesh’s car on a narrow stretch near Kalmardi Mutt Road and attacked him with machetes.
The killers later abandoned the weapon on the road before fleeing. Accused Sanjay also sustained a serious head injury during the clash and has been admitted to the Malle Gowda District Hospital in Chikkamagaluru.
Heavy police deployment has been ordered in Sakharayapatna to prevent further tensions, while four special teams have been formed to trace all those involved, Superintendent of Police Vikram Amte said. Two of the accused have already been admitted to the hospital, he confirmed.
MLA Anand slams police response
Visiting the mortuary of the district hospital, MLA Anand criticised the police, stating,
“A fight broke out over the banner. Later, Ganesh was called and murdered. Around eight people are suspected to be involved. Tension between the two groups has been brewing for days. Had the police acted on time, this incident could have been prevented.”
Police have so far detained five individuals, including Sanjay, Bhushan and Mithun, and the investigation is ongoing.
The incident has heightened concerns over rising political and communal tensions in the region, with authorities now on high alert.
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