Cops unravel mystery of man found dead at Bagalur complex; arrest friend

Bengaluru: The Bagalur police have arrested a 35-year-old rowdy-sheeter for the brutal murder of his friend and associate, whose body he allegedly set on fire and disposed of in Tamil Nadu.

The suspect, identified as Brijesh, a rowdy-sheeter with the Bharati Nagar police, has been accused of killing Gunashekar (30), a dog breeder and long-time friend. 

Guna had been reported missing by his wife, Josephine, on January 10 when he did not return home in Hegde Nagar. Later that day, his body was discovered in an apartment in a complex in Bagalur. 

“The suspect has been taken into police custody for further investigation,” said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Northeast) Sajeeth VJ.

Police investigations revealed that Brijesh and Guna had been friends for years.

Recently, Brijesh reportedly pledged fake gold with a finance company through Guna’s relatives. “When the company, during an audit, found out that the gold was fake, Gunashekar was pressured to return the money or face a police investigation,” a police investigator said.

On January 10, Guna visited Brijesh’s flat in Yelahanka to demand repayment. An argument ensued, during which Brijesh allegedly killed Guna. The police are still determining the exact circumstances of the murder.

After the crime, Brijesh, along with an accomplice currently absconding, transported the body to a forested area in Tamil Nadu’s Pennagaram, where they set it ablaze. The incident came to light when locals noticed the fire and informed the local police, who registered a murder case.

The two suspects moving the body were caught on CCTV, which the police have recorded as key evidence. The body was subsequently recovered by the police.

Following the complaint filed by Guna’s wife about his disappearance, the Bengaluru police collaborated with their counterparts in Tamil Nadu to recover the body and unravel the case. 

Investigators have also discovered that Brijesh has a history of pledging fake gold in Chikkaballapur and nearby areas. “Further investigation is underway,” a senior police officer said.