LPG dealer hacked to death

A LPG dealer was hacked to death by a gang in Mahalakshmi Layout on Saturday night. The deceased has been identified as Punith Naik (31).

According to police, Naik was returning home on his bike when the assailants accosted him. They intercepted him near Shankar Mutt and picked a fight. The gang later attacked Naik with lethal weapons and fled the spot.

Naik died on the spot due to massive bleeding. More than 15 stab injuries were found on his body. Local people informed the police who rushed to the spot.

Naik hailed from Tagacheguppe village in Ramanagaram district and had moved to the city 20 years ago. He owned an LPG agency at Hegganahalli near Sunkadakatte. He had recently opened two shops in Hegganahalli and Mahalakshmi Layout.

“Punith was murdered over old rivalry and financial disputes. There are credible leads and assailants will be arrested shortly,” said a senior officer.

It is the second murder in Mahalakshmi Layout in less than a week. Jyothi (26), an advocate from Kanakapura, was stabbed to death by a man in the area on December 17.