The Vijayanagara police have cracked a murder case in which a man killed his 26-year-old elder brother with the help of a friend over family property and tried to paint the crime as a motorcycle accident.
The deceased was identified as Marulasiddesh, a resident of Hagari Shiranhalli.
The accused men, Marulasiddesh’s 24-year-old younger brother Patrigouda and his 29-year-old friend Uttangi Narappa from Kadabagere, were arrested.
According to the police, the crime stemmed from a long-standing dispute over family property.
In a complaint filed at the Arsikere police station, the victim’s mother Shantamma, an Anganwadi worker, said her elder son Marulasiddesh managed the family duties, agricultural land and tractor.
However, Patrigouda often argued with his mother and brother and demanded a share of the property.
On the afternoon of March 13, after another argument over the matter, Patrigouda reportedly left the house saying that if his share was not given, he would go to Bengaluru.
Later, Marulasiddesh left home on a motorcycle with Narappa to look for his younger brother.
At 1 am, a relative informed Shantamma on phone that Marulasiddesh had died in a motorcycle accident near Hosalli Cross near Hiremegalagere and that the body had been taken to the Government Hospital in Arsikere.
However, when Shantamma examined her son’s body at the hospital, she noticed multiple injuries that raised suspicion. She also found that Patrigouda and Narappa, who were said to be traveling on the same motorcycle, did not sustain any injuries.
Suspecting foul play, she lodged a complaint with the police.
The police team then launched an investigation and uncovered a murder conspiracy, leading to the arrest of the two accused men.
Superintendent of Police S. Jahnavi, Deputy Superintendent of Police Santosh Chavan and Circle Inspector Mahantesh Sajjan visited the spot and reviewed the investigation.
Published – 15 March 2026 21:12 IST
