Body of man abducted near Bengaluru found in TN, one held
Bengaluru (PTI): The body of a real estate businessman was found with severe injuries in neighbouring Tamil Nadu on Monday, a day after he was allegedly kidnapped by a gang near here, police said.
The victim, identified as Gopal alias Gopi, a resident of Honnakalasapura village in Anekal taluk on the outskirts of Bengaluru City, was in his late 30's. He is engaged in real estate and financial business, they said.
The police have arrested Mohan Babu, alleged to be the mastermind behind the crime, even as efforts are being made to nab his two associates who kidnapped Gopal.
According to police, on Sunday, Gopal and his friend Satish were travelling in a car from Attibele towards Anekal when the incident occurred near Karpur Gate in Anekal taluk.
The assailants, who had allegedly planned the abduction, rammed the car with another vehicle to stop it.
The miscreants then allegedly sprayed a substance on Gopal and forcibly kidnapped him before fleeing the spot in another car, a senior police officer said.
Satish, who was also sprayed by the kidnappers, managed to alert Gopal's family members, who in turn informed the police.
A team from the Anekal police station rushed to the spot and conducted an inspection. The police have seized the vehicle used to block the car.
"During preliminary investigation, it was found that Gopal and Mohan were both from Kalasapura village in Chikkamagaluru district and had been at loggerheads for about 10–12 years.
Earlier, Gopal used to work under Mohan in the real estate sector. Later, Gopal became a strong competitor in his business," Chandrakant M V, Superintendent of Police (Bengaluru Rural) told reporters here.
Following this, Mohan was taken into custody for questioning and during interrogation, his role in the case emerged and it was revealed that he was the main conspirator behind the entire incident.
During interrogation, Mohan also claimed that Gopal had been practising black magic against him, causing his ill health.
The police said the truth will emerge only after a deeper investigation.
"Preliminary information suggested that two individuals carried out the kidnapping and they have currently switched off their phones. Once they are traced and apprehended, police will verify the instructions given by Mohan to them and examine all possible angles," he said.
Meanwhile, on Monday morning, Gopal's body was found in Hosur in neighbouring Tamil Nadu.
A police team was dispatched for Hosur to conduct the spot inspection and carry out further procedures.
Asked whether Mohan had given a contract to execute the murder, the officer said they could confirm that only after the absconding accused are apprehended and questioned.
"At this stage, as the investigation is ongoing, they cannot make definitive statements," he said.
Asked how the victim was killed, police declined to comment.
"The body has been recovered and will undergo post-mortem examination. Only after receiving the medical report will the exact cause of death be determined," the SP added.
The deceased's family staged a protest outside the local police station, demanding justice and immediate arrest of all those involved in the crime.
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Deputy CM Shivakumar slams BJP MPs for their silence on LPG shortage in India
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Tuesday said the shortage of LPG refills has become a serious concern in the state, amid warnings from hotel owners that they may be forced to shut down operations if supplies do not improve soon.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Shivakumar said the issue must be discussed in Parliament and urged Members of Parliament to raise the matter, as the shortage was affecting businesses and the public.
"The government must discuss this in Parliament. They should allow a discussion today... From today itself, we are facing problems. There is no stock," he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister criticised BJP MPs for not speaking about the LPG shortage despite its impact on businesses such as hotels and catering establishments.
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He noted that hoteliers have already begun limiting their operations due to dwindling supplies.
"Now, because of the gas price hike and the gas shortage, people are going on strike, but the BJP MPs are not talking about it. They raise their voice on many other issues - strangely enough - but they are silent on this," he said.
Shivakumar also pointed to the rising fuel costs, saying diesel prices had recently increased sharply, adding further pressure on businesses.
According to him, the combined impact of fuel price increases and LPG supply disruptions was affecting the hospitality sector.
He said even former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda spoke about some of the issues pertaining to Karnataka and called for discussion.
"Deve Gowda is talking about Mekedatu and Yettinahole projects. Let him direct his party MPs to talk about this (fuel shortage) in the Parliament.
It is not right for me to launch a verbal attack on him, considering his age. Let him suggest solutions for Mekedatu and Yettinahole. Let his party MLAs talk about what their party did, and I will counter it with what we have done," Shivakumar said.
Hotel associations in the state have warned that continued supply shortages could force establishments to temporarily shut down, particularly those dependent on commercial LPG cylinders for daily cooking. The Deputy Chief Minister indicated that the issue required urgent attention at the national level, as LPG supply and pricing fall under the Centre's purview.
