Black magic scare: Brother, aides kill man & stage it as road accident

Bengaluru: A man, along with three associates, has been arrested by Tumakuru police for allegedly murdering his brother over suspicion that he had performed black magic. The accused initially attempted to pass off the death as an accident, but police unraveled the mystery within 18 hours of the crime.The victim, H Ramesh, 35, a tender coconut vendor from Mandya, was found dead on the road with his mangled motorbike near Sira on the afternoon of June 20.An autopsy revealed that Ramesh had multiple injuries on his body that could not have been caused by a road accident. A detailed examination of the motorcycle also ruled out the possibility of an accident, indicating that it had been deliberately struck with hard objects.A further investigation found that Ramesh’s brother, Hanumantharaju alias Raju, who runs a tea shop near Nelamangala, allegedly conspired to murder him for two reasons. Police said the accused and his associates believed Ramesh practised black magic and would bring misfortune upon them. Additionally, Hanumantharaju had taken an insurance policy worth Rs 15 lakh in Ramesh’s name about a decade ago, with himself as the nominee, and had been paying an annual premium of Rs 85,000.

Police said had Ramesh died in an accident, Hanumantharaju would have been eligible to receive at least Rs 30 lakh in insurance payout.Hanumantharaju roped in three others — Lakshmikanta alias Praveen, 31, Naveen Kumar, 28, and MD Jilan alias Rayyan, 21, all drivers— and promised them Rs 1 lakh each for helping in eliminating Ramesh. As per the plan, they summoned Ramesh on June 20 saying they have some clues on a hidden treasure. Taking him to a desolate place, they beat him up and, on falling, drove the car repeatedly on Ramesh’s unconscious body. Later, they strangled him to death.All the four have been arrested.