Shop owner hacked to death for not giving cigarette on credit

 

By Sagaya Fernando | October 26, 2026

Raichur, Karnataka, INDIA: A 38-year-old shop owner was allegedly hacked to death with a machete in broad daylight after refusing to give a cigarette on credit in Karnataka’s Raichur on Thursday October 22 afternoon. The brutal attack, reportedly captured on CCTV, has prompted a police investigation, with the accused currently on the run.

The deceased has been identified as Narasimhaiah, who operated a grocery shop and hotel near Crown Bakery in LBS Nagar. Police have identified the accused as Tilak Singh, who allegedly attacked the shopkeeper following a dispute over a cigarette.

According to preliminary information, the confrontation began when Singh approached Narasimhaiah and asked for a cigarette on credit. The shopkeeper reportedly refused, leading to an argument between the two.

Later that afternoon, while Narasimhaiah was sweeping outside his establishment, Singh allegedly approached him armed with a machete and launched a sudden attack.

The accused reportedly struck Narasimhaiah eight times with the weapon, inflicting fatal injuries. The shopkeeper collapsed and died at the scene, while Singh fled before police arrived.

Attack Captured on CCTV

CCTV footage of the incident reportedly shows Narasimhaiah bending down and sweeping outside his shop when the accused approaches and strikes him from behind with a machete.

The footage appears to show the attacker repeatedly striking the victim even after he falls to the ground. Several bystanders can be seen nearby as the assault unfolds.

After the victim stops moving, the accused is seen fleeing the scene.

Police Launch Manhunt

Following the incident, a murder case was registered against Tilak Singh at Market Yard Police Station.

Senior police officials, including the Deputy Superintendent of Police and Circle Inspector, have initiated an investigation and launched efforts to trace the absconding accused.

Investigators are examining CCTV footage from the crime scene to reconstruct the sequence of events and establish the accused's movements before and after the attack.

Police are also investigating the circumstances surrounding the dispute that allegedly triggered the killing.