In a shocking incident, a 22-year-old folk singer was brutally murdered over a small loan amount in Budihal village, Raibag taluk. The victim, Maruti Adivappa Latthe, known for his North Karnataka folk singing style and popular YouTube uploads, was attacked and killed in a gruesome manner.
Police said a gang of 11 men, allegedly led by Erappa Akkivate, carried out the murder over a pending loan of ₹5,000. Maruti had earlier borrowed ₹50,000 from Erappa with a promise to work in his sugarcane labour team. However, he left the work to pursue his growing music career and failed to repay the remaining ₹5,000.
On July 13, while Maruti was travelling on a two-wheeler with a friend, the gang intercepted them and attacked Maruti with sharp weapons. After the brutal assault, they ran a car over him, killing him on the spot.
Reports suggest that the vehicle overturned after hitting Maruti, injuring some of the attackers. Police have arrested Siddarama Wadeyar and Akash Pujari so far. The main accused, Erappa, is being treated at Gokak Government Hospital for his injuries.
A case has been registered at Raibag Police Station, and investigations are currently in progress.
