Realtor's murder result of a friendship gone sour

The City police have arrested four persons in connection with the murder of  Umesh Belagodu, a realtor-cum-politician over an old rivalry in Rajarajeshwarinagar on Thursday night.

According to police, the arrested have been identified as Arun Gowda, 32, his associates Jayaramu, Avinash and Pagal Seena. Another suspect Naveen is absconding.

Gowda, a native of Maddur, was residing at Nayandahalli. He was an autorickshaw driver and later entered real estate business. He was introduced to Belagodu and they became close.

They both flourished as Belagodu had political and money power, while Gowda had muscle power, said the police.

A few months ago, the Byatarayanapura police arrested Gowda and sent him to jail, as he had assaulted a person in connection with a land deal. He requested Belagodu to get him out on bail, but Belagodu did not oblige. Later Gowda managed to come out on bail and tried to meet Belagodu, who started avoided him, police said.

Gowda got furious and along with his associates, planned to eliminate Belagodu.

Belagodu, 48, a resident of Rajarajeshwarinagar, had organised a lavish party at his residence on Thursday to celebrate the birthday of his wife Rajeshwari, a former BJP councillor from Nayandahalli ward. He had gone out for some work and was returning home for the celebration, when Gowda and his associates attacked him.