CHIKKABALLAPURA, 4 JAN

An unidentified assailant has murdered JD(S) leader Venkatesh, aged 52, in Thmmanayakanahalli village, Chikkaballapur taluk. The incident occurred late last night as Venkatesh was returning home from Chikkaballapur.

Reports indicate he was attacked in front of a medical shop, and when he attempted to flee, he was pursued and brutally killed. The motive behind this heinous act remains unclear, although sources suggest Venkatesh had recently been involved in a confrontation with a couple of villagers from a neighbouring area. Chikkaballapur rural police are currently investigating the case.

In response to the murder, Dr K Sudhakar, MP for Chikkaballapura, and M Mallesha Babu, MP for Kolar, have visited the village, urging law enforcement to take swift action to apprehend those responsible for this tragic event.  -SALAR NEWS