Murder of tech firm MD, Malayali CEO in Bengaluru: Rival company owner arrested
Bengaluru: In a massive turn of events, the owner of a broadband company is reportedly arrested over the murder of two IT company top brass, including a Malayali, who was found hacked to death at an office in Pampa Extension near Amruthahalli here on Tuesday evening.
Police on the other day took Arun Kumar, the MD of Gnet Broadband Company, into custody after he arrived at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru from Delhi. Further, it is reported that rivalry between the broadband companies culminated in the murder. The deceased had previously worked in Arun Kumar's company before leaving in 2022 to start their own venture.
The deceased have been identified as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Vinu Kumar (40) and the Managing Director (MD) Phanindra Subramanya (36) of internet broadband service provider Aeronics Media Pvt. Ltd. Among the two, Vinu Kumar hails from Ithithanam in Kottayam.
After launching Aeronics Media, the company offered internet services at a much cheaper rate than those offered by Gnet Broadband. Further, both also brought many engineers working in Gnet to their companies. The success of their business eventually led to fierce competition between the two. Gnet was suffering losses due to Aeronics Media, which could have allegedly forced Arun Kumar to eliminate Kumar and Subramanya with the help of hired goons.
Police on Wednesday arrested three men, including the main accused. The three men have been identified as the main accused Shabarish alias Felix (27), along with Vinay Reddy (23) and Santosh alias Santhu (26).
Police suspect that Felix, who has reportedly worked at Gnet under Phanindra and Vinu, held a personal grudge towards Phanindra Subramanya.
Armed with daggers, they stormed into the office and attacked Subramanya in the presence of employees. As Kumar rushed to his rescue, he too was assaulted with the sharp weapons, according to police.
After they fled the spot, the employees rushed the injured to the hospital where the victims succumbed to their injuries.