Gram Panchayat member arrested for killing man over trivial row in Karnataka’s Madhugiri

The Kodigenahalli police in Tumakuru district have arrested a Gram Panchayat member for allegedly mowing down a villager with his SUV in broaddaylight at Polenahalli bus stand after a trivial row on Wednesday (September 10, 2025).

The deceased, Anand (42), a private firm employee, had a tiff with Ramakrishna, water bill collector, after the latter confronted him for the overflowing overhead tank and wasting water during his routine work. “Neighbours pacified the duo and after Ramakrishna left the place, Anand reportedly followed him and confronted Ramakrishna,” said the police.

Nagesh, son of Ramskrishna and Gram Panchayat member, who reached the spot, allegedly mowed down Anand with his vehicle, killing him on the spot. Based on the complaint from an eye witness and relative of Anand, the police charged Nagesh under murder and arrested him.

Family, relatives, other members of Anand’s community protested demanding legal action against Ramakrishna and his wife for instigating the murder. The villagers said the accused and the deceased belong to different caste and had differences since ages which led to the murder. The villagers also demanded the State Home Minister to ensure strict action against the accused as it is his constituency.