In a shocking case of jealousy-fuelled violence, the Devanahalli police have arrested four men for the kidnapping and murder of a 19-year-old delivery executive, Preetham R, on the outskirts of Bengaluru. The arrested individuals—Srikanth (22), Sanjay (23), Charan (21), and Shivakumar (22)—have been booked for kidnapping and murder and are currently in judicial custody.
According to police officials, the prime accused Srikanth was enraged after learning that Preetham had taken a liking to a girl related to him. Preetham’s father, Ramachandra, lodged a complaint stating that his son’s friend Moni had informed him about the budding affection between Preetham and a girl from Gantiganahalli.
Investigations revealed that Srikanth had confronted and assaulted Preetham a week prior, warning him to stay away from the girl. Matters escalated on the night of May 2, around 10:30 p.m., when the four accused allegedly kidnapped Preetham, assaulted him brutally, and dumped his body behind the Government Lower Primary School in Niragantepalya. The body was discovered the next morning by a passerby, who promptly alerted authorities.
Police said the motive was personal jealousy, and the crime was executed with clear intent. The case is under further investigation.
