JD(S) leader found killed in his car

MANDYA: A senior JD(S) leader was found dead in his Innova on the premises of the Inspection Bungalow near TB Circle in Maddur on Monday afternoon. The incident sent shock waves through the town, triggering protests by angry residents and party workers.
Passersby noticed the blood-soaked body of Honnalagere Prakash, 50, inside his vehicle and alerted police. His throat was slit and the body bore multiple stab injuries.

According to police, the assailants might have approached Prakash, who was sitting in his vehicle, on the pretext of speaking to him, and then hacked him with lethal weapons. Police said they have detained two friends of Prakash for interrogation as the victim was last seen with them. Police are also collecting CCTV footages from the surrounding areas. As per preliminary enquiry, the assailants reportedly wore helmets to conceal their identity.

Prakash, hailing from Toppanahalli village, was the husband of former ZP president Lalita and was close to chief minister HD Kumaraswamy.

As the news spread, angry residents and JD(S) activists blocked Mysuru-Bengaluru highway throwing traffic out of gear for over five hours. Villagers from Toppanahalli, Honnalagere and surrounding villages rushed to Maddur town and began to torch vehicles and public properties. They also vandalised the taluk hospital.

Political rivalry

Police suspect Prakash must have been murdered over political rivalry. Two years ago, Toppanahalli village witnessed a tense situation as two JD(S) workers were hacked to death during the day. A few weeks ago, another person from the same village was murdered. Police said bitter political rivalry between Congress and JD(S) workers must be the main reason behind these political killings.