Central Crime Branch (CCB) has arrested one more accused early Wednesday morning in connection with the murder of rowdy sheeter Lakshmana on March 7.
“Soon after the murder of Lakshmana, the accused Akash went into hiding in Poornaprajna Layout in Uttarahalli,” said the police.
A CCB team led by inspector Murigendraiah tracked him down, and told Akash to surrender. However, he allegedly attacked Head Constable Arun Kumar with a dagger. The police opened fire and shot at his legs.
According to the police, Akash is named in over eight criminal cases in Channapatna.
Akash and Arun Kumar were taken to Victoria Hospital.
Police probing property link
So far, eight people have been arrested, including 21-year-old Varshini, the daughter of a JD(S) party member and her boyfriend Roopesh, a habitual offender. The two claimed to plotting to the murder of Lakshmana for trying to break them up. She had allegedly transferred ₹1 lakh to Roopesh’s account, which was used to pay another accused Raja and the others who carried out the hit.
Varshini’s parents were unhappy with her relationship with Roopesh and had requested Lakshmana, who was known to the family, to intervene, said the police.
The CCB is also probing other angles, including a property dispute, as a motive for the murder.
“There must have been support from other quarters for a rowdy like Lakshmana to be eliminated. We are probing all angles,” said Alok Kumar, Additional Commissioner of Police.
“Investigations so far have revealed that Lakshmana had accumulated benami property in the name of Varshini’s father Harish. He had recently asked Harish to return the properties,” said a senior police official.
The police had also opened fire at two accused, including prime accused Raja and supari killer Hemanth. They had been contacted by Roopesh R., a habitual offender who allegedly planned the murder with his girlfriend, Varshini.
Lakshmana's car was intercepted near Iskcon temple and he was hacked to death on March 7.