Tech Firm’s MD and CEO Brutally Murdered in Their Office in Bengaluru
In a shocking incident on Tuesday, the managing director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO) of a newly-established tech firm providing broadband internet services were brutally murdered in their office in Bengaluru. The victims, Phanindra Subramanyam and Vinu Kumar, were hacked to death by three men, including a former colleague and his two associates.
The motive behind the gruesome murder is believed to be business rivalry. According to the Deputy Commissioner of Police (North East) Laxmi Prasad, the prime accused, identified as Shabarish alias Felix, had previously worked with the victims in another firm. The other two suspects involved in the crime have not yet been identified.
Both Phanindra, a Bengalurean, and Vinu, who hailed from Kerala, had extensive experience in the broadband internet service industry. They had started their own company called Aironics Media Private Limited in November 2022 after resigning from their previous employer, a broadband internet service provider on Bannerghatta Road.
Investigators suspect that Felix, who felt that his own company was losing customers to Phanindra and Vinu’s venture, may have harbored feelings of resentment and jealousy that ultimately led to this heinous act. The victims’ company, Aironics Media Private Limited, was reportedly going through a rough patch financially, which may have intensified the rivalry.
The murder took place in broad daylight at around 3:30 pm when the assailants entered the office premises and waited for Phanindra and Vinu in the visitors’ room. Once the victims arrived, all of them went into the MD’s chamber for a meeting that lasted for about 15-20 minutes. Tragically, screams were heard from the cabin, and when the staffers rushed to the scene, they witnessed the three attackers ruthlessly attacking Phanindra and Vinu with machetes.
Despite the courageous attempts of the employees to intervene, Felix and his accomplices threatened them with their lives. Phanindra tried to escape but collapsed on the ground floor, while Vinu also attempted to escape but tragically fell in the process. The three assailants quickly fled the scene on two motorcycles, leaving behind one of the bikes in their haste.
Law enforcement authorities are currently conducting a thorough investigation into the case. They have collected CCTV footage from the crime scene and are confident that the suspects will be apprehended soon. While the investigation is ongoing, the police have refrained from revealing specific details about the firm that Felix was associated with.
This shocking incident has sent shockwaves through the tech industry in Bengaluru. The murder of Phanindra Subramanyam and Vinu Kumar highlights the dark undercurrents of intense competition and rivalries that can sometimes escalate to tragic and violent outcomes. The loss of two promising entrepreneurs has left a void in the industry, and their families and friends are left grieving their untimely demise.
As the investigation proceeds, authorities will strive to uncover the truth behind this disturbing crime. The tech community in Bengaluru will undoubtedly be looking for answers and demanding justice in what appears to be a case of ruthless business rivalry spiraling out of control.
