Three arrested over ‘revenge' murder

Three persons have been arrested in connection with the murder of 20-year-old Hemant Poojary in Surthkal police station limits on Sunday night.

The police gave the names of the accused as Ganesh (25), Nagesh (30) and Santosh (25).

Ganesh is the cousin of Manikanta (32), who was murdered in Surathkal police station limits on Saturday night. Nagesh and Santosh were close friends of Manikanta.

Poojary's murder was in retaliation to the killing of Manikanta. While Nagesh was involved in a case of assault reported a few years ago, the other two accused did not have any criminal cases, the police said.

The Surathkal police have arrested eight persons in connection with Manikanta's murder.

Commissioner of Police Seemant Kumar Singh said Manikanta and Poojary had been picking fights over trivial issues.

The two were not working under anybody. Mr. Singh said the police were taking steps to prevent escalation of clashes among members of a gang.