Bengaluru: The Ashoknagar police on Monday arrested seven persons on charges of murder.

The police have identified the accused as Venkatesh, Vijay alias Kari Vijay, Vijay alias Kotanguchi Viji, Gerald Arogyaraj, James Kumar, Vikaram, and Kiran.

The police have seized a knife, one dagger and a stone used for the crime.

It may be recalled that accused hacked Harish, 32, a civil contractor, to death in the wee hours of Sunday in front of his house at Ashoknagar.

According to the police, Harish, 32, was suddenly woke up from his sleep by a commotion outside his house on B Street. He saw a procession passing by and four youths standing near his gate. The police said that he reprimanded them and asked them not to smoke as it was bad for their health. They got into a heated argument but dispersed after Harish told them to leave the area. However, within minutes, the four men returned with their friends, who were armed, and started abusing Harish. The verbal abuse escalated and the gang attacked Harish with knives and choppers before fleeing.

With the help of some neighbors, the family shifted Harish to a private hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

Harish’s parents, brother, and his wife and child were in the house when he was attacked.