Belthangady: A construction worker hailing from Gadag has been nabbed by the police in connection with the recent murder of an elderly couple Varghese and Eliamma in Kakkinje.

Acting on a tip-off, the local police detained the man, employed at the dam construction work near Kakkinje. It is said that he had kept a close vigil on the movement of the couple and executed the crime.

On January 10 night, making sure that there was nobody else around, the gang entered the couple’s house on the pretext of asking information about a particular way. They took Varghese to the road and allegedly murdered him. The gang then went inside the house, killed Eliamma and escaped with money and gold.

It is learnt that the accused has confessed to the crime. He is said to be a habitual offender and many cases of theft stand registered against him.

The investigation is being held by Bantwal ASP Rahul Kumar on the direction of Dakshina Kannada SP Sharanappa. Further investigation is underway.