8 people, including 2 minors, held in connection with murder of realtor near Bengaluru

Eight people, including two minors, have been arrested in connection with the kidnapping and murder of a real estate businessman on the outskirts of Bengaluru , police said on Thursday.

The victim, identified as Gopal alias Gopi , a resident of Honnakalasapura village in Anekal taluk, was around 40 years old and was engaged in real estate and financial businesses.

Police had earlier arrested Mohan Babu , the alleged mastermind behind the crime. Investigators suspect he hired a gang to eliminate Gopal following a long-standing business dispute. According to officials, Mohan allegedly paid about Rs 25 lakh as part of a contract killing arrangement.

The incident occurred on Sunday evening when Gopal and his friend Satish were travelling by car from Attibele towards Anekal. Near Karpur Gate, the attackers allegedly rammed their vehicle into Gopal’s car to force it to stop.

The assailants then sprayed a chemical substance on the victims and abducted Gopal before fleeing in another vehicle. Satish, who was also sprayed with the substance, managed to inform Gopal’s family members, who alerted the police.

Following the complaint, police formed multiple teams and launched a search operation across the Karnataka–Tamil Nadu border .

The case took a grim turn the next morning when Gopal’s body was recovered near Denkanikottai in Krishnagiri district. Investigators believe he was taken there after the abduction and hacked to death before the body was dumped in an open area.

Police said Gopal had earlier worked under Mohan in the real estate business but later began operating independently, which allegedly triggered rivalry.

Investigators are also examining Mohan’s claim that Gopal had performed black magic , which he believed had harmed his health and business.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has taken over the probe, and efforts are underway to track down other accomplices involved in the conspiracy.