Police in Chikkamagaluru district have arrested Shafi, a resident of Birur, for allegedly murdering his close friend Puttaraju, a welder, to steal cash.
According to investigators, the incident occurred on February 19 when Shafi allegedly lured Puttaraju by claiming that a finance company was conducting a gold auction. Trusting his friend, Puttaraju left his home around 11 am carrying approximately Rs2.5 lakh in cash.
Police said Shafi then took Puttaraju on a motorcycle to a forest area near Honnavalli, where he allegedly attacked him with a machete, killing him before fleeing with the money.
The next morning, a milk vendor passing through the forest road discovered the body and alerted authorities. A case was registered, and police launched an investigation.
During the probe, officers traced the victim’s last movements and identified Shafi as the prime suspect. Further investigation revealed that after the murder, Shafi met his estranged second wife at a lodge in Arasikere, where he allegedly gave her Rs60,000 and purchased a television using the stolen money.
Based on the evidence collected, police arrested Shafi. Further investigation into the case is ongoing.
