A plantation worker from Ballari district was allegedly murdered by two of his co-workers following a drunken quarrel at an estate in Marasanige village of Kalasa taluk in Chikkamagaluru district on Monday night.The deceased has been identified as Shivalinganahalli Bheemappa, a native of Hire Hadagali in Ballari district. The police have taken into custody two co-workers—Satpalin Fakirappa, also from Hire Hadagali, and Karibasappa Harijan, a native of Haveri district—in connection with the murder.According to the complaint filed by estate manager Umesh Shetti, the three workers had been employed for the past week at Harmakki Estate after being brought there by a labour contractor. They were staying together in the estate’s labour quarters.Preliminary investigation revealed that the trio returned to their quarters after work on Monday afternoon. At around 9 p.m., Bheemappa and Karibasappa, who were allegedly under the influence of alcohol, picked up an argument over their wives. During the quarrel, Bheemappa allegedly attacked Karibasappa and Fakirappa with a blade, causing injuries to their hands.Enraged by the attack, Fakirappa and Karibasappa attacked Bheemappa with a machete. Bheemappa collapsed unconscious and died on the spot. According to the complaint, the two accused allegedly remained in the labour quarters through the night beside the body in an attempt to avoid attracting suspicion.The incident came to light on Tuesday morning after estate workers found Bheemappa lying motionless in the quarters and alerted Mr. Shetti. Based on Mr. Shetti’s complaint, the Kalasa police registered a case and took the two accused into custody. Further investigation is under way. Published - July 29, 2026 07:23 pm IST