In a shocking incident in Karnataka's Vijayapura district, six people were hacked to death over a land dispute on Friday evening. The victims include five members of the Nirale family, identified as residents of Chadchan village. The assailants, armed with machetes and other sharp weapons, also used chilli powder to disable their victims before attacking them.
Attack Details
The attack took place around 7 pm when the victims were returning from their fields. According to police, a group of around 10 to 12 men ambushed them near a canal. The attackers first threw chilli powder into the eyes of the victims, then hacked them to death with machetes and sickles. Six people died on the spot, while two others were critically injured and have been hospitalized.
Victims Identified
The deceased have been identified as Ningappa Nirale (45), his wife Renuka (40), their sons Mahesh (22) and Ravi (20), and daughter Pooja (18). The sixth victim is a relative, Shantappa Nirale (50). The injured are Mallappa Nirale (48) and Basavaraj Nirale (30), who are undergoing treatment at a hospital in Vijayapura.
Land Dispute Root Cause
Police suspect that the attack was a result of an ongoing feud over a piece of agricultural land. The two families had been involved in a legal dispute for several years. Tensions escalated after a court verdict earlier this month favored the Nirale family, leading to resentment among the accused.
Police Investigation
Senior police officials, including the Superintendent of Police, have visited the spot. A case has been registered against unidentified persons under sections 302 (murder), 307 (attempt to murder), and other relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. Additional forces have been deployed in the area to prevent further violence. The police are questioning suspects and analyzing call records to track down the attackers.
This tragic incident highlights the persistent issue of land disputes in rural Karnataka, often leading to violent clashes. Authorities have urged the public to resolve disputes through legal channels and avoid taking the law into their own hands.
