Belagavi (Karnataka), Feb 3 || A man was brutally hacked to death allegedly over a decade-old personal grudge linked to an elopement, in Hoolikatti village near Saundatti taluk of Belagavi district, police said on Tuesday.
The victim, Basappa, was killed on Monday night after being attacked more than 16 times with a machete by the accused, identified as Irayya. Police said the accused allegedly placed his leg on the victim’s body and posed for photographs until officers arrived at the scene.
According to police, the murder was the result of a long-standing grudge dating back to 2015, when Basappa allegedly eloped with Irayya’s mother and never returned to the village. Irayya, who was a minor at the time, was reportedly traumatised by his mother's leaving and held Basappa responsible for the incident.
Police said Irayya had been searching for Basappa and his mother for several years. Four days ago, Basappa reportedly returned to the area and was staying in Basadoni village to construct a house. After learning of his presence, Irayya allegedly waited for him near Hoolikatti village.
When Basappa arrived on his motorcycle on Monday night, Irayya allegedly waylaid him and repeatedly attacked him with a machete, killing him on the spot.