Vijayapura: Notorious criminal and rowdy-sheeter Bagappa Harijan was brutally murdered in Vijayapura on Tuesday night. The gruesome killing, involving sharp weapons and gunfire, has once again sent shockwaves across the Bhima river belt.

Bagappa was attacked near the Radio Centre in the city when he stepped out of his house. A gang of 7-8 assailants hacked his face and body, even severing his hand before fleeing the scene. The attack is believed to have been premeditated, with the killers calling Bagappa out of his house before launching the fatal assault.

Police officials, including senior officers, rushed to the spot for investigation. His family members were inconsolable as news of his murder spread like wildfire.

Bagappa’s Criminal Antecedents:

Bagappa Harijan had a long and violent criminal history spanning over three decades, making him a feared name in the Bhima river belt. He entered the underworld in the 1990s under the influence of his uncle, Chandappa Harijan, and soon became involved in serious crimes. Over the years, he was accused in at least ten cases, including six murders, an attempt to murder, and violations under the Arms Act.

Bagappa was notorious for his involvement in gang rivalries and contract killings, which earned him a reputation as a sharpshooter. His name was frequently linked to violent clashes along the Bhima river region, and he had survived multiple attacks on his life, including a firing incident inside the district court premises in 2017.

Despite facing several police crackdowns, Bagappa continued his criminal activities, making him a prime target for both law enforcement and rival gangs.

Police launch a multi-angle probe

Speaking to the media, Vijayapura SP Laxman Nimbargi confirmed that Bagappa was killed using both sharp weapons and firearms. “He had a record of ten cases against him, including six murders, one attempt to murder, and a case under the Arms Act. We are investigating the crime from all possible angles,” he said.

According to preliminary information, the attack took place around 9:20-9:30 PM near Madina Nagar. Bagappa had finished dinner and stepped out when four to five men arrived in an auto-rickshaw and launched the deadly assault. While reports suggest the attackers used machetes and a pistol, the exact number of assailants is yet to be confirmed.

Officials are also probing whether the power supply in the area was intentionally cut before the attack and whether any of the killers arrived on motorcycles. Bagappa was residing in a rented house, and police are gathering information on who else was present at the time of the attack.

The victim’s body has been sent for post-mortem, and forensic teams are examining the nature and extent of injuries. Given Bagappa’s deep-rooted connections in the underworld, the district police have formed a special team to track down the assailants.

“This was a well-planned attack, and we are determined to arrest the culprits at the earliest,” SP Nimbargi assured.