Bengaluru realtor murder: Ex-biz partner masterminded killing over black magic suspicion

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• Eight arrested for realtor Gopal's kidnap and murder near Anekal
• Crime orchestrated by ex-associate Mohan over black magic
• Gopal's body found in Krishnagiri; two suspects still absconding

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Bengaluru police have arrested eight people, including two minors, in connection with the kidnap and murder of realtor Gopal near Anekal, revealing that the crime was masterminded by his former business associate over suspicions of black magic.

The arrests were made late Tuesday night from a hideout in Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu, a TOI report stated. The suspects include Mohan Babu, identified by Gopal's wife Swati as the key figure behind the killing, along with Ananda, Santosh Kumar, Teja, Darshan, Nikhil and the two minors. Two others, Harsha and Narayanaswamy, remain absconding.

The attack occurred around 7 pm on Sunday when Gopal was driving his SUV with friend Satish near Anekal. A mini-goods vehicle rammed their car, forcing them to stop. As the men stepped out, the assailants sprayed a chemical on Satish's face and abducted Gopal in another vehicle, the report detailed.

The next morning, Krishnagiri police discovered Gopal's body dumped by the roadside near Denkanikote and alerted Anekal counterparts. A photograph confirmed the victim's identity. Anekal police had already registered a kidnap case, which was converted to murder.

Swati told police that Mohan and his aides had assaulted her husband last year, but the family did not file a complaint due to Mohan's influence, according to the report.

Bengaluru Rural superintendent of police MV Chandrakant explained that Gopal had worked under Mohan as a commission agent before going independent, a development that angered Mohan. The report quoted Chandrakant saying Gopal's independent operations did not go down well with Mohan, who also believed black magic practised by Gopal had adversely impacted his business and health.

Interrogation revealed Mohan's growing suspicions that Gopal was using sorcery against him, leading to business setbacks. A senior police officer reportedly noted that the relationship soured over the past five years as Gopal focused on his own deals.

The report quoted the officer saying some earlier joint settlements were handled by Gopal alone, bringing him considerable profits and a growing reputation, which fuelled Mohan's insecurity and resentment.