How did rent dispute end in murder? Bengaluru advocate shot dead as tenant hands over cash
New Delhi: A rent dispute over three months of unpaid dues allegedly led to the murder of a 42-year-old advocate at his residence in Bengaluru’s Whitefield area late on Sunday night. Police suspect that two tenants, both working as delivery agents, carried out the killing after a confrontation with the lawyer.
The victim, B Manjunath, lived in Pattandur Agrahara, where the two accused, identified as Pankaj Dube and Amit Kumar Dube, had rented a small room behind his house. The duo, who are from Bihar, had reportedly been living there for around one-and-a-half years.
According to the police complaint filed by Manjunath’s brother Muniraju, the advocate had reprimanded the tenants over the pending rent on Sunday night. The confrontation is believed to have escalated later that evening.
How tenants allegedly carried out shooting
Muniraju said the two men initially approached Manjunath and spoke to him before leaving, claiming they would return with the rent money.
“First, they came near the house and spoke to Manjunath for some time. Saying they would return with the money, they went back. Around 11:45 pm, one of them returned and called Manjunath out,” he said.
A close relative, Akshay, told police that one of the suspects handed over the cash to the advocate. As Manjunath counted the money, the other man allegedly came up behind him and shot him in the head.
The advocate was rushed to hospital, but doctors could not save him. He is survived by his wife and two minor children.
Police launch manhunt, probe illegal firearm
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Whitefield) Saiduly Adavat said police had launched a manhunt for the accused, who allegedly fled on separate motorcycles. Another senior officer said investigators had leads about their whereabouts and were examining how they obtained the firearm.
Police are also investigating the source of the suspected illegal pistol and whether the accused had links to others possessing unauthorised firearms.
Advocates seek swift action
Advocates’ Association Bengaluru president Subba Reddy condemned the killing and said representatives had met Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh to seek a speedy investigation. The association also discussed guidelines for private companies hiring workers from other states and landlords renting out accommodation.
The killing comes a week after a realtor allegedly shot and injured his former driver near Konanakunte over a business dispute. Police arrested the realtor and seized his licensed revolver. The injured driver is recovering in hospital.