A horrifying incident unfolded in Karnataka’s Koppal district when a 35-year-old man was hacked to death by a group of assailants inside a bakery, in an attack linked to a prolonged family feud over property. The gruesome murder, captured on CCTV and a bystander’s mobile phone, occurred on the night of May 31 in Tavaragera town.
The victim, Channappa Hussainappa Narinal, a daily-wage worker, was ambushed around 10 p.m. near LJ Iyengar Bakery, close to Sindhanur Circle and less than a kilometre from the local police station. Channappa was seen desperately trying to escape into the bakery while being pursued by his attackers.
Surveillance footage shows Channappa making a desperate attempt to flee as he ran in circles inside the bakery. He was chased by multiple men, some wielding machetes, and one attacker struck him on the head with a wooden log. Despite his efforts to escape, Channappa was eventually dragged out of the bakery, where the assault continued until he succumbed to multiple deep injuries on his head, neck, limbs, and back.
Victim’s Body was in a Pool of Blood
A second video, recorded on a mobile phone by a witness, revealed the aftermath. Channappa lay lifeless in a pool of blood as a large crowd gathered, with an elderly woman believed to be a relative seen sobbing and screaming beside his body.
Authorities have arrested seven men in connection with the killing. The accused have been identified as Ravi, Pradeep, Nagaraj, Gautham, Pramod, and two individuals named Manjunath. Police have charged them with murder, criminal conspiracy, and acting with common intention. Investigators suspect that the killing was planned in advance.
According to the preliminary investigation, the motive behind the crime is rooted in a long-standing property dispute between the victim’s family and the accused. The FIR was filed based on a complaint by Durugappa Narinal, Channappa’s elder brother, who stated that their family had been involved in an ongoing land dispute with another family. He also alleged that Ravi Narinal, one of the arrested individuals, had recently issued death threats.
Accused are in Custody
While the police have confirmed that seven people are in custody, they believe more individuals could be involved. A broader investigation is underway, and senior officers have visited the crime scene to oversee developments. Traps have been set to trace any remaining suspects who might be on the run.
In a separate and unrelated case, a man from Nepal was taken into custody in Shimla’s Kotkhai region for allegedly killing his wife. The suspect, Jeet Bahadur, reportedly confessed to hitting his wife, Deepa, with a wooden stick during an argument, resulting in her death. The incident came to light after another worker, Ramesh Dangi, informed their employer of the woman’s injuries. Bahadur has been charged under Section 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
