Belagavi: Was youth killed for an iPhone? Police launch intensive probe

Belagavi: Police have intensified their investigation into the murder of a young man near the compound of Belagavi Airport four days ago. It is suspected that the youth was killed for his iPhone while he was walking alone late at night.

The victim, identified as Ninganagouda Sangangouda Sannagoudar (26), a resident of Srinagar in Belagavi and originally from Aladakatti village in Savadatti taluk, was killed under mysterious circumstances. Police are probing all possible angles to ascertain whether the motive behind the murder was the robbery of his iPhone or something else.

Ninganagouda worked as a driver for a doctor at KLE Hospital. On November 17, Ninganagouda drove the doctor and his family to the famous Yellamma Gudda in Savadatti for a pilgrimage. After completing the visit, Ninganagouda alighted at Yaragatti, saying he would proceed to his mother’s village, Ujjinakoppa. The doctor allowed him to leave and drove the car back to Belagavi himself.

Later that evening, Ninganagouda visited Ujjinakoppa, picked up his nephew, and met another friend. The three reportedly visited Renuka Wines in Yaragatti, consumed alcohol, and planned to return to Belagavi. Ninganagouda then boarded a bus to Belagavi and bought a ticket.

However, instead of reaching Belagavi, he alighted at Modaga village and visited a nearby hotel at around 10 PM. He reportedly asked the hotel’s security guard for directions to a garden and proceeded further while using Google Maps on his iPhone.

Last Call to His Mother

When Ninganagouda did not return home late into the night, his mother called him at around 12:30 AM. He assured her that he would reach home shortly and ended the call. This was his last conversation. Soon after, his phone became unreachable.

Ninganagouda’s mother and brother have been residing in Belagavi’s Srinagar area for the past ten years. Ninganagouda worked as a driver, while his brother is employed elsewhere. A case has been registered at Marihal Police Station.

PhonePe Payment for Bus Ticket

Ninganagouda reportedly had no cash at the time. He transferred Rs 1,000 to his account through PhonePe with his brother’s help and paid for the bus ticket to Belagavi at around 8:30 PM. After getting off the bus at Modaga, he continued on foot, using Google Maps on his iPhone for directions. It is suspected that miscreants, noticing his iPhone, might have robbed and killed him.

The youth was found murdered, reportedly with a stone used to crush his head. Police found a two-wheeler key in his pocket during the investigation, which prompted them to search nearby areas for the vehicle. CCTV footage from nearby areas has been examined, but no substantial evidence has been found due to the lack of cameras at the crime scene.

The Marihal Police are actively investigating the case and conducting a manhunt for the culprits. All possible angles are being explored to uncover the truth behind the murder.