Bengaluru: A security guard shot dead a person while trying to prevent a theft at an under construction building near BDA Complex at Nagarabhavi in Kamakshipalya police limits early Friday. Four of his accomplices managed to flee.
The deceased has been identified as Bettaiah (25), a habitual offender hailing from Gubbi in Tumakuru district. He suffered bullet injury on his back and died on the spot. He along with four others sneaked into the building to decamp with electrical, electronics and other goods stored on the premises.
The building belonged to a JDS leader Javarayi Gowda, the police added
The guard, Mohan (25), told police that when he heard a noise he went to check. Bettaiah, who was armed with a stick, tried to assault him. Although Mohan threatened to open fire, Bettaiah ignored it. In self defence Mohan shot at Bettaiah, who died instantly, while his accomplices fled, police said.
Bettaiah had taken up accommodation at one of his friend’s house in the city. He had told him that he was working in a dairy and was on night shift.
The finger prints of Bettaiah have been sent to Tumakuru police to ascertain whether he was wanted in other cases. Bettaiah’s relatives had come to the police station to claim the body.
Kamakashipalya police have registered a case and taken Mohan into custody for further inquiry.
Several incidents of robbery
JD(S) leader Jawarayi Gowda, the owner of the under construction house, said there were previous incidents of robbery at his premises.
During an earlier incident, though a watchman was posted there, he could not foil the bid. Later Gowda approached a security agency and an armed guard was deployed to guard the premises, Gowda said.
However, he said it was unfortunate that there was a loss of life as the guard had fired in an attempt to safeguard himself. Mohan was hired from VSS Services, Rajajinagar and has been with the agency for the last one-and-a-half years.
“I don’t suspect anyone as I have no enemies. I stay close by and my son takes care of the construction. The guard called my son to inform about the incident. Later, I rushed to the spot and requested the police to inspect the spot and take necessary legal action,” he said.
Veerabadraswamy, owner of VSS Services, said Mohan has a valid licence for single barrel gun and after confirming his license I deployed him at Gowda’s residence,” he added.
