Bangalore: Almost a year after Rector K J Thomas (62) was bludgeoned to death at a seminary in Yashwantpur, police on Friday claimed they have nabbed the killers.

The assault took place at St Peter’s Pontifical Seminary on the night of March 31, 2013. Bangalore police have arrested Illyas (44), priest at a church in Gulbarga, William Patrick (45), priest at a church in Kengeri, and Peter (22), who works in a church in Bangalore.

Police also seized a motorbike and two mobiles allegedly used for the offence, and are on the look-out for another accomplice.

Addressing the media here, Director and Inspector General of Police Lalrokhuma Pachuau said rivalry over seminary administration was the motive behind the murder.

He said the case had been a challenge as initially no clues could be found.

Thomas had been working in the seminary for many years and Illyas and others were upset over his attitude towards them.

The accused felt they were being sidelined when it came to appointments for important posts.

They wanted to bring about change in the seminary.