Full Breakdown
Bengaluru Advocate Shot Dead in Rent Dispute
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Fatal Shooting in Whitefield
A 42-year-old advocate, Manjunath, was shot in the head at his residence in Pattandur Agrahara, Whitefield, late Sunday night. Police say two tenants opened fire after an argument about unpaid rent. His brother, Muniraju, said the advocate was alive when taken to hospital but died about an hour later.
Background & Context
Manjunath rented out sheds and rooms on his Whitefield property. The two accused tenants, natives of Bihar, worked as gig-delivery agents for Swiggy, Zomato and Rapido. Family members said the tenants had not paid rent for three months, prompting the confrontation.
Data & Statistics
- Age of victim: 42.
- Tenants’ jobs: Delivery agents for Swiggy, Zomato, Rapido.
- Unpaid rent: Three months, Rs 5,000 per month.
- Property holdings: About 50 houses and several acres in Whitefield.
- Police response: A 30-officer team led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police was formed.
Official Statements & Responses
The Whitefield Deputy Commissioner of Police—named as Saidulu Adavath or Saiduly Adavat in reports—announced a manhunt and said a criminal case has been registered. He noted investigators are tracing the country-made pistol used in the attack and checking for any prior property dispute.
Advocates Association Bengaluru president Subba Reddy met City Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh, requesting a speedy probe and urging guidelines for private landlords hiring out-of-state workers.
On-the-Ground Reports
Muniraju told reporters the family returned from a temple visit around 10:30 pm. One suspect, Ankit Kumar Dubey, had called the advocate earlier, promising to settle the pending rent. According to nephew Akshay, the suspects arrived around 11 pm; one handed over cash while the other fired from behind. Neighbor Siddegowda expressed shock and called for preventive police measures.
Criticism & Opposition
The Advocates Association argues that clearer regulations for gig-economy workers and landlords could reduce the risk of disputes turning violent.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Time of shooting: Reported as 11:30 pm, 11:45 pm, and “around midnight.”
- Deputy Commissioner’s name: Reported as Saidulu Adavath or Saiduly Adavat.
- Motive: Rent dispute is the primary allegation; police have not ruled out a broader property issue.
- Weapon origin: Investigators suspect the pistol was smuggled into Bengaluru, but details are unverified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “One delivery agent gave the cash, which was the due rent and Manjunath was counting it. By then, another person (Suspected to be another delivery agent) came behind and fired one roune at Manjunath's head. Immediately, Manjunath was shifted to hospital and after trying to revive him, doctors declared dead,” — Akshay.
What’s Next
Police have deployed teams to locate the two suspects, who fled on separate motorbikes. The investigation continues into the suspects’ backgrounds, the illegal firearm, and any earlier disputes involving Manjunath. Updates are expected as the manhunt progresses.