A person, who denied cigarette to a shop owner, was allegedly axed to death near Lingadahalli in Pavagada taluk.
Lingadahalli Shivananda was murdered on July 22 at a daba by Thalukina Ramaiah, who ran a shop there. According to police, Ramaiah asked Shivananda for a cigarette. But Shivananda denied him a cigarette and abused Ramaiah, who in fits of rage, axed him.
As Shivananda died there on the spot, in fear he tried to hide the evidence.  The accused confessed during the investigation.
A case has been registered at Arasikere police station and Circle Inspector O B Kalleshappa and Madhugiri DYSP Shivashankar have continued investigation.