Bengaluru man beaten to death with cricket bat in front of children for refusing to pay hafta; 7 held

BENGALURU: A 45-year-old mechanic was allegedly beaten to death by a group wielding a cricket bat and wooden logs in front of his children near Bade Makhan in Wilson Garden Sunday night. The attack reportedly stemmed from a dispute over the construction of a concrete roof for his shop and alleged demands for hafta (protection money).

The deceased, Rasheed Pasha from Anepalya, had been running a four-wheeler garage for more than six years in a property belonging to the Waqf Board.

Deputy commissioner of police (Central) Hakay Akshay Machhindra said seven people have been arrested in connection with the case and are being interrogated to ascertain the exact circumstances that led to the attack. The arrested include Pervez, Asgar, Munawar, Sameer, and three others.

Police said the gang, led by Asgar, had allegedly obtained documents related to the property through the Right to Information Act and had been demanding hafta from Rasheed. When he refused to pay, they reportedly lodged complaints with the Waqf Board, police and govt authorities last year. Rasheed subsequently approached the Waqf Board and obtained permission to continue running the garage by paying rent.

On Sunday, Rasheed began constructing a concrete roof over the shop. Alerted by local person, Asgar sent some of his associates to verify the work, and they confirmed that the roof construction was under way. The accused reportedly demanded that Rasheed stop the work immediately, claiming he had encroached Waqf Board property. Rasheed refused to halt the work or pay any hafta and questioned their authority to interfere.

Later that night, Pervez, Asgar and others allegedly arrived at the garage and confronted Rasheed. His children and brother were present at the spot when a heated argument broke out.

During the altercation, Rasheed reportedly picked up a cricket bat and struck one of the accused. In retaliation, police said Pervez snatched the bat and repeatedly assaulted Rasheed, striking him hard on the head.

Rasheed sustained severe head injuries and collapsed on the ground, bleeding profusely. The accused fled the scene immediately after the attack.

Rasheed was rushed to a nearby hospital but succumbed to his injuries within minutes.

Soon after the incident, hundreds of people gathered at the spot, creating tension in the area. Police deployed additional personnel to maintain law and order.

Rasheed's brother told police that Asgar, Pervez and others had been harassing Rasheed for more than a year.

Police from Wilson Garden police station have registered a case.