The Devanahalli police have arrested a 24-year-old youth for allegedly murdering his friend and robbing his mobile phone to clear his debts.
The accused, Karthik, a resident of Devanahalli, confessed that he got inspired by the Telugu movie "Srishyam" and decided to eliminate his friend.
According to the police, Karthik had heavy debts and zeroed in on M S Shivakumar, a 25-year-old computer technician, to murder and rob him. As per the plan, he invited Shivakumar for a party and the duo had dinner at a hotel on October 31 before heading home. On the way, Karthik asked Shivakumar to stop at an isolated place so that he could relieve himself and hacked him to death with a chopper he had carried.
The accused removed the wallet, his high-end mobile phone and a bag containing a hard disk and other computer peripherals and escaped with Shivakumar's motorcycle.
The incident came to light when some passers-by noticed the body and informed the police.
The Devanahalli police, who ascertained his identity, analyzed his mobile phone number and came to know that Karthik was the last person who had conversation with the deceased.
Based on the information, the police picked up Karthik who confessed to the crime.