History-Sheeter Hacked to Death in Brazen Street Assault in Mangammanapalya

A history-sheeter was hacked to death in a brazen street assault on Mangammanapalya Main Road in south Bengaluru late Monday night, sending shockwaves through the neighbourhood and raising concerns over safety on busy city roads.

The victim, Mohammad Shabbir, was returning home around 10.30 pm in an autorickshaw with five associates when a six-member gang intercepted the vehicle at a junction along his usual route. Police said the killing was planned and rooted in long-standing rivalry.

Chilli Powder Used to Blind Victim

Investigators said the assailants had been tracking Shabbir's movements and were lying in wait. As the autorickshaw slowed near the intersection, the gang blocked the vehicle and threw chilli powder, temporarily blinding Shabbir and one of his associates.

Armed with machetes and other sharp weapons, the attackers launched a violent assault. When Shabbir's companions attempted to intervene, they were also attacked indiscriminately. Shabbir suffered multiple deep injuries and collapsed on the road.

The attackers fled the scene in an autorickshaw as local residents began gathering, police added.

Victim Declared Dead, Five Associates Injured

Shabbir was rushed to a private hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival. His associates - Ateeq Khan, Mansoor, Salman, Waseem and Fayaz - sustained injuries and are undergoing treatment at different hospitals. Police said their condition is stable.

Suspects Identified, Manhunt Launched

Police have identified all six suspects involved in the killing and have detained two persons for questioning. Teams from Bandepalya police station are conducting searches across multiple locations to arrest the remaining accused.

A case of murder has been registered, and investigators are examining CCTV footage from nearby roads and commercial establishments to piece together the sequence of events.

Old Enmity, Criminal Background

Police said Shabbir was a history-sheeter with more than 15 criminal cases registered against him in Bengaluru and Shivamogga, including attempted murder and robbery cases. Preliminary findings suggest the killing was the result of old enmity linked to his criminal background.

Surveillance on Habitual Offenders Intensified

Following the incident, the Central Crime Branch (CCB) said monitoring of history-sheeters and habitual offenders has been intensified. The city has been divided into zones headed by Assistant Commissioners of Police, with increased focus on preventive policing.

Officials said externment and action under the Goonda Act are being used more aggressively to curb retaliatory violence.

The open-road killing on a busy stretch has left residents of Mangammanapalya shaken, while police assured that swift arrests and heightened surveillance would help prevent further incidents.