Vijayapura rural police have successfully cracked the murder case of former gram panchayat member and realtor Raju Bapu Khare, 42, by arresting six of his relatives. The incident occurred on April 14, when the victim was driving his car from Golden Doddi to Vijayapura around 3 pm.
Details of the Crime
According to SP Laxman Nimbargi, a tipper vehicle driven at high speed rammed Raju's car near the Sri Dharidevar Pet Industrial Godown in the Aliyabad Industrial Area. Simultaneously, other accused on two motorcycles intercepted him, attacked him with stones, and shot him with pistols, causing severe injuries and killing him inside the car. A case was registered based on a complaint by the victim's brother, Sujeer Bapu Khare.
Investigation and Arrests
Given the seriousness of the murder, efforts to locate the accused were prioritized under the supervision of additional SP Ramangouda Hatti. Two separate teams, including IPS officer Ishita Gupta and DSP TS Sulphi, along with inspectors RS Janar, Vinod Dodmani, Lakshmi Deginal, and other staff, conducted the search operation. Based on evidence found at the crime scene, the teams arrested six individuals: Abushya Sopan Kodlekar (36), Abashya Balu Mane (35), Vageesh Shankar Pol (31), Jaalindar alias Popat Mallari Hakke (29), Khanduba alias Ajith Gundiba Tambe alias Hakke (29), and Muragu alias Maragu Uttam Hakke (24).
Motive and Recoveries
During interrogation, it was revealed that a property dispute led to a conspiracy to murder the victim. Police recovered two unlicensed country pistols, seven mobile phones, two motorcycles, a tipper vehicle, and a car used in the crime. The accused were presented for judicial custody on April 20, and further investigation is ongoing.
