20-year-old man stabbed to death in hate crime, 6 arrested

A 20-year-old man was stabbed to death as part of a hate crime in Maraluru Dinne in Tumakuru town on Friday. The six attackers were arrested in this connection on Saturday, police officers familiar with the case said on Sunday.

The victim's body was handed over to his relatives after the autopsy at Tumakuru District Hospital. (Representative image) — The victim’s body was handed over to his relatives after the autopsy at Tumakuru District Hospital. (Representative image)

The victim was identified as Rihan Pasha. The suspects, aged between 19 and 24, were identified as Sadiq Pasha, Mujahid Pasha, Abbas, Dastgir, Imran and Yousuf, they added.

According to a complaint by Rihan’s brother, Ayan Pasha, the attackers lured Rihan from his house under false pretenses around 10:30 p.m. Once outside, they launched a premeditated attack, during which Sadiq allegedly inflicted a fatal stab wound to Rihan’s abdomen. The group fled immediately after the attack, it added.

Investigations suggested that the crime stemmed from a love triangle between Rihan and a 15-year-old girl who was related to one of the suspects, Mujahid. Tension between Rihan and the suspect over the girl has been simmering as a heated argument broke out a week ago. Rihan’s family claims the girl instigated the attack, which ultimately led to his death, police said.

Circle Inspector B Purushotham, the investigating officer, said: “This incident is the result of a hate crime. The suspect conspired to kill Rihan due to his association with the girl, who is related to one of them. Despite warnings to stay away, Rihan continued to contact her, infuriating the group. They planned and executed this brutal act as a form of retaliation.”

A case has been registered under Section 103 of the BNS Act (murder) and further investigations are underway. Rihan’s body was handed over to his family members after conducting autopsy at Tumakuru district hospital, he added.