A software professional was killed and his friend injured by a man who ran them over in his car after they refused to fetch him cigarettes in South Bengaluru. The deceased is Sanjay H N, 29, and his friend is Chetan Pujamath, 30. Both were software professionals with different firms and worked from home, police said. The Subramanyapura police have arrested Pratheek H, 32, who worked as a sales manager in a private factory. (Deccan Herald, 17 May 2025) What a tragedy! Why did this murder happen?
Pride of Life: Apostle John brings to focus the three principles of sin: Lust of the eyes, Lust of the flesh, and pride of life. (I John 2:16) First, it begins with boasting of one’s race, clan, or caste. Second, these people are conscious of their success. Third, these people have an inflated ego about their status. Fourth, they expect others to recognize and respect them. Five, they have an entitlement mentality that all others are expected to serve them.
Demand: This man stopped at a shop and did not want to get out of his car. He asked two strangers, who were friends and engaged in a conversation, to buy cigarettes. They refused. Why should strangers do him a favor or service? For him, all others are slaves or servants. He did not request help, but demanded they serve him as his right.
Cannot Accept Refusal: This man could not accept the two men’s refusal. With a superiority complex, he asked the IT professionals to do errands. Because of an inflated self and ego, he could not take ‘No’ as an answer to his demand. The educated youngsters had self-respect, and refused to buy cigarettes for him.
Violence: Infuriated with the refusal, this man became arrogant, violent, and ruthless. Like Haman, who could not accept Mordecai’s behavior of self-respect and dignity, he also could not accept the behavior of these two young men. (Esther 3:5) When the two went on the scooter, he chased them and hit their vehicle.
Do I flee from the sin of the Pride of Life?