Tumkur District Superintendent of Police Ashok K.V. addressed a press conference on Monday, revealing significant progress in the investigation into the murder of three men from Belthangady in Dakshina Kannada. Ashok K.V. announced the arrest of two individuals and disclosed ongoing efforts to apprehend six others connected to the crime.
He provided details of the incident, stating that on March 22, at approximately 1:15 PM, the charred bodies of three individuals were discovered in a car submerged in Kucchangi Lake within the Kora Police Station limits. Subsequently, law enforcement launched an investigation at the scene and initiated a case.
Through meticulous examination of the evidence gathered at the site, along with local intelligence and scientific methods utilized for body identification, the deceased individuals were identified as Isaac (54), Shahul Hameed (45), and Abdul Khader (34) from Belthangady. Two suspects, Pataraju (35) and Gangaraju (35) of Sira Gate, were detained and interrogated in connection with the case.
Ashok K.V. elaborated on the motive behind the crime, revealing that the victims had engaged in a treasure hunt with Pataraju for a duration of 6-7 months, entrusting him with a significant sum of 6 lakhs. When the anticipated treasure remained undiscovered even after an extended period, and Pataraju failed to reimburse the money, the victims threatened legal action.
Under mounting pressure, Pataraju, in collusion with Gangaraju and six accomplices – Madhusudhan, Naveen, Krishna, Ganesh, Kiran, and Simon – orchestrated a plan to lure the victims to Biranakallu village, where they were subsequently murdered. The perpetrators then attempted to conceal their crime by setting fire to the vehicle containing the victims’ bodies.
Tumkur Inspector General of Police Ravikanthe Gowda and District Superintendent of Police Ashok K.V. commended the diligent efforts of the Tumkur Police in apprehending the accused individuals involved in the heinous crime.
