Former woman corporator of Bengaluru, Rekha R, was stabbed to death in broad daylight in the heart of the city on Thursday morning, even as several bystanders witnessed the attack.
Rekha later succumbed to the injuries. Police said Rekha was stabbed 17 times by two assailants at Anjanappa Garden in Cottonpet. The incident happened at around 10.30 am, when the two-time BJP corporator walked out of her office after distributing free breakfast to needy people.
She is the second wife of Kadiresh S, a rowdy-sheeter. Kadiresh was hacked to death in February 2018 in the same area by a gang of four persons.
The attackers, waiting outside the ex-corporator's office, attacked her with daggers, on the throat, neck, head and shoulder.
She tried to escape into a small lane nearby, but the duo chased and attacked her again. They managed to escape when she collapsed in a pool of blood.
Rekha was rushed to KIMS hospital, where doctors declared her brought dead at around 11 am.
Police said the assailants had been identified as Peter and Surya. They have collected the CCTV footage of the miscreants escaping after attacking Rekha. Another suspect in the case is Robert, who allegedly helped the duo in the crime.
The Cottonpet police said it was a carefully planned act as they had turned off many CCTV cameras at the spot of crime. Four teams have been formed to nab the suspects.
The family members and friends of the attackers are being questioned.
Peter was once a strong supporter and relative of Rekha and Kadiresh.
The two assailants had recently come out of jail on bail. They had also killed a rival of theirs, who was involved in the murder of Kadiresh.
S Murugan, additional commissioner of police (East), said they have collected information about the killers from eyewitnesses and that they will be arrested soon.
A senior officer said they are investigating the case from many angles, including the old rivalry against the Kadiresh couple, financial disputes and political rivalry.
A few people told police that Kadiresh’s relatives were planning to contest the next BBMP election and Rekha’s stronghold in the ward was the main hurdle for them. That may have led them to kill her, they said. However, the real motive will be known after nabbing the miscreants.
Rekha's son said his mother had made arrangements for him and his sister to stay in BTM Layout after their father's murder.
He had asked Rekha to stay with them many times, but she preferred to stay in Anjanappa Garden.
Arrest in 24 hours: CM
Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa said he has spoken to the city police commissioner and that necessary action will be taken.
Speaking to reporters after inspecting railway projects in the city, Yediyurappa said, "the culprits will be arrested in 24 hours."
In Haveri, Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai said the accused in the murder case of Rekha Kadiresh will soon be arrested.
"I have directed the Bengaluru police commissioner for a thorough probe into the murder case. I am confident the perpetrators will soon be brought to book," Bommai told reporters.