Bengaluru: CCTV shows cops watching rowdy-sheeter’s murder, leaving spot

Bengaluru: CCTV footage purportedly showing two police personnel witnessing the daylight murder of a rowdy-sheeter in Bengaluru’s JP Nagar and leaving the spot without intervening has triggered outrage, with the department yet to officially respond.

The footage, which has gone viral on social media, allegedly shows a male constable riding a motorcycle with a woman constable as pillion, both in uniform, approaching a junction in J.P. Nagar where a group of armed assailants was repeatedly attacking Raju alias Halmurka.

The two personnel are seen slowing down and observing the attack from close range. Moments later, as the assailants retreat towards a waiting vehicle, the police personnel leave the spot without attempting to stop them, assist the victim, or alert nearby units.

Senior officers said the conduct of the personnel is under scrutiny, and efforts are underway to identify them for possible departmental action. The authenticity of the video is also being verified.

Meanwhile, police have intensified the investigation into the murder. Deputy Commissioner of Police (South Division) Kona Vamsi Krishna has formed three special teams to trace and arrest those involved.

Preliminary findings suggest the killing may be linked to a retaliatory attack stemming from a homicide allegedly committed by the victim nearly a decade ago in Banashankari. Investigators are examining past gang rivalries and criminal networks to establish the sequence of events.

Police said that although Raju had a long criminal record, no fresh cases had been registered against him in recent years.

The teams are also probing possible links to associates of a rowdy known as “Stand Kutti”, believed to be connected to the case.

Raju alias Halmurka had multiple cases against him, including murder, attempt to murder, and robbery, and was also an accused in the Subramanyapura double murder case, among others.

Police suspect the killing was a premeditated act arising out of a long-standing rivalry. Search operations are underway, and officials expressed confidence of early arrests.

The incident has triggered widespread concern among Bengaluru residents, with many questioning why the policemen remained passive spectators during the gruesome attack.

IANS