The HAL police in Bengaluru have arrested a 25-year-old habitual offender along with four of his associates for allegedly hacking his friend-turned-foe to death in Annasandrapalya on June 18.

The deceased, Mohammed Nayeen, had multiple cases pending against him, and was staying in Kengeri. He worked at a chicken stall, and had come to meet his relative in Annasandrapalya.

The victim, who had allegedly assaulted the prime accused Shafiq T.S. in 2012, was returning home on a motorcycle when he was reportedly confronted by Shafiq and his associates.

After the victim shifted his base to Kengeri, Shafiq was waiting for an opportunity to take revenge, the police said. On June 18, Shafiq and his associates allegedly chased down and attacked Nayeen with lethal weapons.

The severely injured victim was admitted to a private hospital, where he succumbed on July 5.

Based on a complaint filed by the father of the deceased, the police tracked down the accused Shafiq along with his associates Saddam Hussain, 27, Yatish Pushparaj, 29, Irfan Pasha, 27, and Imran Khan, 26, charging them for murder.

The accused were produced before the court and remanded in judicial custody.