Malavalli: A 21-year-old youth was murdered and his friend suffered serious injuries when rival gang members assaulted the duo using lethal weapons on June 11.

Phaneesh, son of Basavaraje Urs , a former town municipal council member is the deceased youth whereas his friend is admitted to a nearby hospital with injuries.

Old rivalry and hatred led to the murder, it is gathered. Miscreants in a Scorpio vehicle launched a lethal assault on the duo, when they were walking beside a Kalyan Mantap in the town.

Phaneesh, accused in a case had ongoing rivalry with a relative and history-sheeter named Shiva. Police had brought about rapprochement between the two after summoning both to the station few days ago. However , the rival gang led by Shiva were waiting for an opportunity to eliminate Phaneesh. On seeing Phaneesh walking along with his friend, the gang members led by Shiva sprinkled chilli powder on the duo’s face and attacked both in a flash with lethal weapons. Phaneesh lost his fingers in an attempt to save himself but they overpowered him to leave him dead. His friend Ravish managed to hide in the vicinity after the assault though he suffered injuries.

The gang menders left the scene after killing and escaped through Shettihalli Road via Sultan Road in the town, said police.

Additional DySP Savitha, DySP Mathew Thomas and Circle Inspector Srikanth visited the spot and are carrying out investigations.

A case has been registered by the rural police.