A Janata Dal (Secular) activist was stabbed to death by a gang in Anepalya late Monday. Police denied any political motive behind the attack.
Ashoknagar police said Lokesh (35) was going home around 10 p.m. along with his friend Nandakumar alias Shankar when the five-member gang attacked them with daggers. Nandakumar told the police about hearing someone yell, “Dinesh, stab him!” just before the attack.
Lokesh, who was stabbed several times on his chest, was rushed to St. Philomena’s Hospital and later to Mallya Hospital.
He died of his injuries while Nandakumar, a land dealer, is recovering.
Lokesh was related to Vasudeva Murthy, a JD(S) candidate contesting from Shantinagar constituency. While there were suspicions of political rivalry, police said it was more likely personal enmity.
