Man hires contract killers to murder brother, misleads police by going on pilgrimage

Sumesh Rajan
17 February 2025

A man from the south Indian state of Karnataka, accused of orchestrating his younger brother’s murder by hiring contract killers, was arrested upon his return from the Mahakumbh Mela (the largest Hindu gathering in the world) at Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad) in the state of Uttar Pradesh.

The police say he planned the religious visit to divert suspicion.

The victim, 45-year-old farmer Krishne Gowda, was brutally killed on February 11, 2025, in Maddur taluka, Mandya district, Karnataka. During the investigation, police uncovered that his elder brother, Shivananje Gowda, had allegedly paid ₹5 lakh to a group of hired assassins.

Family Dispute Turns Deadly

According to police sources, Shivananje Gowda had previously cleared substantial debts incurred by his younger brother. In return, Krishne Gowda had agreed to transfer his property to his elder brother’s wife. However, he later refused to hand over possession of the property and even took legal action, reportedly influencing their sisters to support his claim. Additionally, Krishne Gowda was said to have spoken disparagingly about his elder brother and his wife.

Faced with mounting tensions, Shivananje Gowda allegedly conspired with seven individuals -- Chandrashekar, Sunil, Ullas, Pratap, Abhishek, Srinivas and Hanumegowda to eliminate his brother. The group reportedly planned the murder over a two-month period.

Key Evidence Leads to Arrests

To avoid suspicion, Shivananje Gowda left for the Mahakumbh Mela a day before the murder. However, forensic analysis of call detail records (CDR) and other technical evidence linked him to the crime. Under interrogation, the contract killers disclosed his involvement.

The K M Doddi police in Mandya, led by Inspector S Anand, arrested all eight suspects, including the elder brother. Mandya Superintendent of Police Mallikarjun Baladandi, commended the investigative team for swiftly solving the case.

This chilling incident highlights how deep-seated family disputes can escalate into violent crime, leading to tragic consequences. Authorities continue to investigate further aspects of the case.