The sensational kidnap and murder of a Bengaluru realtor has taken a new turn, with the police claiming his business rival was behind the plot. Eight people, including two minors, have been arrested in the case. As per the police, Mohan Babu wanted to take revenge against Gopal, believing that he was practising black magic against him.
According to investigators, the crime took place on Sunday evening around 7 pm near Anekal. Gopal was travelling in an SUV with his friend, Satish. However, a mini-goods vehicle rammed into their car near Anekal, forcing them to stop. When the two stepped out to check the damage, the attackers reportedly sprayed Satish’s face with some chemical and abducted Gopal in another vehicle.
The following morning, Gopal’s body was found dumped by the roadside near Denkanikote. The Anekal police, which had already registered a kidnapping case, converted it into a murder probe.
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During the investigation, Gopal’s wife Swati told the police that his former business partner Mohan Babu could be behind the crime. She said that Mohan and his associates had also assaulted Gopal earlier, but no police case was registered due to Mohan’s influence.
Based on her statement, police detained Mohan for questioning, and information obtained from him led to the arrests of Ananda, Santosh Kumar, Teja, Darshan and Nikhil, besides two minors. The accused were picked up late Tuesday night from a hideout in Krishnagiri in neighbouring Tamil Nadu. Two other accused – Harsha and Narayanaswamy – are absconding.
Investigators later learnt that Mohan had grown increasingly suspicious that Gopal was practising black magic against him and blamed it for problems in his real estate business.
