Bantwal: A man was slashed to death by a gang at Maripalla near Farangipet in the taluk on Saturday June 21.

The deceased has been identified as 27-year-old Naushad, son of Balekai Khader. 

Reportedly Naushad was brutally murdered near a mosque at Maripalla by a gang at around 6 pm, who had arrived in a car. The murderers soon fled in their car after killing him. Naushad’s friend Shameer too was injured in the incident.

According to the sources Naushad received a phone call after which he went near the mosque in his Alto car. As soon as he reached the spot a gang in another car approached him and began to assault him.

Fearing his death, Naushad started got out of the car and started running; however the gang took over him and gruesomely battered him.

Naushad was left bleeding heavily with one hand dissected; he died on the spot due to intense loss of blood. Shameer, Naushad’s friend who was present at the time of the incident sustained injuries and was admitted to a hospital. Naushad’s car too was damaged in the incident.

According to the police it is said that internal rivalry and grudge over some issue resulted in the murder. It is also suspected that the Naushad’s murder was an act of revenge for Nooruddin’s murder.

Naushad was an accused in the Nooruddin murder case of 2011. Altogether, he was facing charges in 15 cases, including attempt to murder auto rickshaw driver Ghouse. Out of the 15 cases, he was acquitted in 12, including Nooruddin murder case, and three were pending trial. He got married just last year.

Though it is said that the attackers came in a car, it is not yet known which car was used for the crime. However, the sickle used by the attackers was found near the crime spot, and taken into possession by the police.

Bantwal circle inspector Belliappa along with Bantwal rural police arrived at the spot and investigated.