Davanagere: A 38-year-old man was brutally hacked to death over a financial dispute and an alleged illicit relationship at Nallur Camp in Channagiri taluk on Friday night.

The deceased has been identified as Ataulla, a former gram panchayat member from Nallur Camp. Police said he was allegedly murdered by his own relatives.

The incident took place near SLV Bakery at Nallur Camp when Ataulla was reportedly busy using his mobile phone. The accused, identified as Sheikh Jubivulla and Sheikh Dastagir, allegedly attacked him from behind with machetes and killed him on the spot.

After committing the crime, the accused reportedly surrendered at the Channagiri Police Station. They are residents of Kagekodimagge village in Bhadravati taluk.

According to preliminary police investigation, Ataulla was allegedly involved in an illicit relationship and had reportedly taken lakhs of rupees from the woman involved. Police said he allegedly blackmailed her when she demanded the money back. Enraged over the issue, the woman's relatives allegedly carried out the murder.