BELAGAVI: A retired soldier and his daughter were hacked to death near the gram panchayat office in Avaradi village of Kittur taluk on Wednesday, allegedly following a family dispute over the division of property.Three others were injured in the attack and are undergoing treatment at local hospital. The deceased were identified as Rudrappa Kundaragi, 67, and his daughter, Sashikala Kundaragi.According to preliminary police investigations, a dispute over the partition of family property had been ongoing for several days.Rudrappa had reportedly gone to the gram panchayat office in connection with property-related documents when an argument broke out.The situation escalated, and Rudrappa and Sashikala were allegedly attacked with sharp-edged weapons by two of his brothers and a nephew.The assault took place in the presence of gram panchayat staff and local residents. The father and daughter sustained severe injuries and died despite medical assistance. Three others were also injured in the incident and are critical.Kittur Circle Inspector Shivanand Gudaganatti and SI Bharat S and Gangadhar Hampannavar visited the spot and conducted an inspection. Police have registered a case and launched a search for the alleged assailants, who are reportedly absconding.The double murder has triggered tension in Avaradi and neighbouring areas. Police have increased security in the village to prevent any further incidents as the investigation continues.
