‘Why did you message my wife?’: Instagram chat with ex-colleague sparks machete assault on Bengaluru manager

BENGALURU: A seemingly harmless exchange of phone numbers allegedly escalated into a violent machete attack on a 42-year-old apparel store manager in the city recently.According to a complaint filed by Gopi K, a resident of Murugeshpalya in east Bengaluru, the attack occurred between 12.30pm and 1pm on Feb 27. The accused has been identified as Suresh. Gopi suffered injuries to his head and face and is recovering after treatment at a private hospital on West of Chord Road. Gopi told police he has worked as a manager at an apparel outlet on Siddhaiah Puranik Road, in Basaveshwaranagar, for nearly a decade. A former colleague, Ashwini, left the store at the end of 2023 on account of health issues.Recently, Gopi received a message ("hi") on Instagram from what appeared to be Ashwini's account. After a brief exchange, he was asked to share his mobile number, as it was allegedly deleted from her phone. Soon after, he received a call from a man identifying himself as Suresh, Ashwini's husband.Suresh allegedly abused Gopi, accused him of messaging his wife, and made derogatory remarks about his family. Gopi disconnected the call and blocked the number.Gopi later informed Ashwini's mother about the incident. She allegedly asked him to unblock Suresh's number and spoke to him, warning him not to trouble Gopi.However, the following day, when Gopi stepped out of his workplace, Suresh allegedly arrived in an autorickshaw, blocked his path, abused him, and attacked him with a machete. Before fleeing, Suresh allegedly threatened to kill Gopi and his wife if he contacted Ashwini again.Police have registered a case under various sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Efforts are on to trace and arrest the accused, who remains absconding.