Former rowdy-sheeter Veeranna alias Malla was killed in a suspected rivalry attack near Belagumba as police launched a manhunt for the accused
A former rowdy-sheeter identified as Veeranna alias Malla was hacked to death by unidentified assailants near Belagumba in Tumakuru district on Sunday night. Police suspect old rivalry as the possible motive and have formed special teams to trace the attackers. The incident has renewed attention on a series of major murder cases reported in Tumakuru over the past few years.
Tumakuru: A 42-year-old former rowdy-sheeter was hacked to death by a group of unidentified assailants near Belagumba on the outskirts of Tumakuru city on Sunday night. Police have launched a detailed investigation into the murder and suspect previous rivalry or gang-related disputes as a possible motive behind the attack.
The deceased has been identified as Veeranna alias Malla, a resident of Belagumba, who was previously listed as a rowdy-sheeter at the Tumakuru Rural Police Station. He was also reportedly involved in gambling activities and had figured in previous criminal investigations.
According to police, the incident occurred at around 8.30 pm when Malla was travelling on his motorcycle near Garuda Cafe, close to his residence. A gang of four to five men allegedly intercepted him, attacked him with sharp-edged weapons and fled the scene immediately after the assault.
The victim sustained multiple fatal injuries and died on the spot before medical assistance could reach him.
"Police suspect old rivalry or previous enmity may have led to the murder, though all angles are being investigated."
Tumakuru Murder Investigation Underway
Senior officers from the Tumakuru Rural Police, including senior district officials, rushed to the crime scene soon after receiving information. The area was inspected and forensic evidence was collected as part of the investigation.
The body was shifted to the district hospital for post-mortem examination.
Police officials said special investigation teams have been formed to trace the unidentified attackers. CCTV footage from nearby locations and other technical evidence are also being examined.
Investigators are verifying the victim's recent activities, personal disputes and known associates to establish the exact motive behind the killing.
Previous Criminal Background Being Verified
Police records indicate that Malla had earlier been named as an accused in the 2008 Gadda Raju murder case, though he was later acquitted. His name had also surfaced in connection with a recent attack involving a gambling group.
Local sources also claimed that he had associations with political circles in the past. However, police have not linked any political angle to the murder and stated that all possible motives remain under investigation.
Tumakuru Witnesses Several High-Profile Murder Cases
The latest murder adds to a series of high-profile homicide cases reported in Tumakuru district over the past few years.
Among the major cases investigated by police are:
- July 2026: Veeranna alias Malla was hacked to death near Belagumba in a suspected rivalry attack.
- June 2026: Police uncovered a fake road accident conspiracy in which a man was allegedly murdered to fraudulently claim a Rs. 15 lakh life insurance payout.
- April–May 2026: A farmer from Sira Taluk was arrested for allegedly killing his teenage daughter in an honour killing case.
- February 2026: Police solved the murder of a widow whose death was allegedly planned to seize property worth Rs. 40 lakh.
- August 2025: Investigators arrested multiple accused after a woman was murdered and her body was dismembered in Koratagere.
- February 2024: Three men were allegedly murdered and their bodies set on fire following a dispute linked to a fake treasure scheme.
- May 2021: A property dispute in Hosakere resulted in fratricide, leading to a life imprisonment sentence for the accused.
Police said the investigation into Malla's murder is continuing, and further details are expected after questioning witnesses and analysing forensic evidence.
