Bandi Ramesh (35), a local BJP leader, was hacked to death on the outskirts of the city on Thursday.
According to preliminary information, Ramesh and four others were having lunch at a dhaba in Guggarahatti locality when a group of seven or eight attacked him with a machete. Ramesh is said to have died on the spot due to injuries on the head and other parts of the body.
Enmity is said to be the reason for the attack. Ramesh, who was recently accused in a case of attempt to murder, had been released on bail, according to the police.
On getting information, the police rushed to the spot and shifted the body to the mortuary. They also moved one of his associates, who too was injured in the attack, to VIMS Hospital.
Inspector-General of Police (Ballari Range) S. Murugan, Superintendent of Police R. Chetan and senior officials of Ballari (Rural) sub-division visited the spot. Further details are awaited.