A minor disagreement over switching off lights at a workplace in Bengaluru escalated into a murder early on Saturday. A 41-year-old manager, identified as Bheemesh Babu from Chitradurga, was beaten to death with a dumbbell by his colleague.
The incident took place around 1.30 am at a rented office of Data Digital Bank in Govindarajanagar police limits. The company is involved in storing movie shooting videos.
Police said the victim, who reportedly had sensitivity to bright lights, would often ask colleagues to switch them off when not required. Around 1 am, he once again asked his coworker, Somala Vamshi (24), a technical executive from Vijayawada, to turn off the lights. The argument soon turned violent.
In a fit of rage, Vamshi allegedly threw chilli powder at Babu before repeatedly hitting him on the head, face, and chest with a dumbbell. After Babu collapsed, Vamshi panicked and sought help from other employees. An ambulance was called, but Babu was declared dead at the scene.
Vamshi later walked to the Govindarajanagar police station and surrendered. A case of murder has been registered. DCP (West) Girish S confirmed that the dispute over keeping the office lights on led to the killing.
