Neeraj (20) a painter and native of Uttar Pradesh, was living with four others in Kalkere. While Neeraj and another roommate, Gobind Singh, were from UP, the alleged murderers were from Mumbai.
Police said the trio wanted to return to Mumbai and asked Neeraj and Gobind to accompany them. When they refused, a heated argument followedwhich turned violent. Realising that the situation was going out of control, Gobind fled the place while Neeraj was caught by the three and strangled to death.
After killing him, the trio fled the spot. In the morning, Gobind returned home only to see his friend lying dead on the floor. He lodged a complaint A hunt has been launched.
Published 20 February 2010, 18:17 IST