Hassan (Karnataka), February 17 The charred body of a 58-year-old man was found in a remote area of Alur taluk in this district, police said on Wednesday.
The deceased, identified as Veerappa (58), was employed as a driver with the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), they said.
The incident came to light on Tuesday near Rajanahalli in Alur taluk of Hassan district, police said.
Veerappa's body was found completely burnt, raising suspicions that it may have been a premeditated murder, they added.
"Only after the post-mortem examination is conducted will we be able to determine the exact cause of death. Experts from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) have also visited the scene and collected necessary evidence," a senior police officer said.
Based on the preliminary investigation, a murder case has been registered, and an investigation is underway to identify the person(s) responsible for the incident.
All possible angles are being investigated, including a long-standing land dispute with a relative, police said, adding that further investigation is in progress.