Kolar, Oct 24 (IANS): Two of three men, who were arrested in the murder of Congress leader M. Srinivas, a close associate of Karnataka Home Minister Dr G. Parameshwara, were shot in the legs while trying to escape, said police on Tuesday.

According to police, the prime accused, Venugopal and Muneendra, were shot in the legs and another accused Santhosh also sustained injuries when they tried to escape in the Laxmisagar forest area. The three were being brought by a team led by police inspector Venkatesh after their arrest on Monday.

In self-defence the police shot the accused in the legs. Inspector Venkatesh, staff Manjunath and Nagesh were also injured in the incident. They have been treated at the Kolar District Hospital. Police are suspecting that the accused belong to a 'supari' gang, which commit murders for money.

Srinivas was also close to former Speaker and senior Congress leader Ramesh Kumar.Srinivas was a taluk level leader of the Congress and he was an aspirant for the Lok Sabha ticket from Kolar Parliamentary constituency.

He was attacked near Hogalagere road in the outskirts of Srinivaspur near Kolar.

Though he was rushed to the hospital, he succumbed to his injuries, police said. Deceased Srinivas was one of the prominent Dalit leaders of the district and Srinivasapura town continues to be tense following the incident. Dalit organisations are mulling for a massive protest condemning the murder

According to police, Srinivas had gone to his new bar building on Hogalagere road when he was attacked by a gang of six people.

Srinivaspura police have registered a case and an investigation is on.