Fairoz murder case: HC grants anticipatory bail to Congress man

Dharwad: Dharwad bench of the high court Wednesday granted anticipatory bail to Congress leader Ismail Tamatgar, the 14th accused in the murder of Youth Congress leader Fairoz Khan Pathan.Tamatgar, who was allegedly absconding since the murder, had moved the high court seeking protection from arrest.Fairoz, 28, was hacked to death at his residence in Hashmi Nagar on the night of April 10 after a group of assailants allegedly barged into his house and attacked him with deadly weapons. He died on the spot.The murder triggered widespread outrage as Fairoz was scheduled to marry on April 24 and was distributing wedding invitations in the days leading up to the attack.Police have so far arrested 12 accused in the case. While the initial investigation pointed to the involvement of five assailants, investigators now suspect a larger conspiracy behind the murder.According to police, the accused allegedly tracked Fairoz’s movements for several days before carrying out the attack.The victim’s family has alleged the involvement of some Congress leaders from the same community. Investigators believe personal enmity was the primary motive behind the murder. Police are continuing their investigation.