Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Mar 3: The case of missing PhD research student Chaitra, from a private college in Deralkatte, has taken a new turn, with indications that Chaitra has gone abroad. Her friend Shahrukh has been taken into custody by the police from Madhya Pradesh and is currently under investigation.
It has been revealed that Chaitra, who is suspected to have gone abroad, left voluntarily and is expected to inform the Mangaluru police commissioner about her whereabouts on Monday through the Indian embassy abroad.
Chaitra left her rented house in Madoor on a scooter on February 17, leaving the scooter in Surathkal, and subsequently went missing. Initially treated as a standard missing person case, the police intensified their investigation when Hindu organizations alleged the involvement of a drug peddler, a foreign youth, in Chaitra's disappearance.
Based on her mobile location, the police confirmed that she had gone to Bengaluru. Additionally, CCTV footage showed her disembarking from a bus at Majestic, leading the police to focus their search in Bengaluru. As part of the ongoing investigation, a team from Ullal police arrested Shahrukh, who was with a friend in Madhya Pradesh, on information suggesting that Chaitra had traveled abroad through Goa and Madhya Pradesh.
With the cooperation of Shahrukh's friend, Shahrukh from Puttur, who was in contact with the missing Chaitra, traveled to Bengaluru and escorted Chaitra to Goa. Subsequently, Shahrukh's friend from Kannur arranged for Chaitra and Shahrukh to stay in Madhya Pradesh. While in Madhya Pradesh, a young man residing in Qatar, a close relative of Shahrukh, obtained a visiting visa and a flight ticket for Chaitra. From there, Shahrukh sent Chaitra to Qatar via Delhi and returned to his friend's house in Madhya Pradesh. Sources indicate that Chaitra has most likely reached Qatar at present, where she informed the police of her voluntary departure. As Saturday and Sunday are holidays, there is a possibility that she will go to the Indian Embassy on Monday and provide a written statement to the Mangaluru police commissioner about her voluntary departure.
Shahrukh, being detained in a criminal case, is not allowed to go abroad. In this regard, the Ullal police arrested Shahrukh in Madhya Pradesh after he dropped Chaitra at Delhi airport. It is reported that he has been under investigation. A case has been registered at Ullal police station.