Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (TP)

Kundapur, Feb 21: A case registered against PDO of Gangolli, H Umashankar and second division assistant of Gangolli gram panchayat Shekhar G for allegedly threatening witnesses in Lokayukta trap case.

Rajendra Nayak M N (43), police inspector attached to the Karnataka Lokayukta police station, Udupi, had registered a case on January 22, 2025, based on a complaint filed by Mohammed Haneef M V.

Subsequently, the Udupi Lokayukta police arrested H Umashankar, PDO of Gangolli, and Shekhar G, second division assistant of Gangolli gram panchayat, on January 18, 2025. During the proceedings, Dr Ravikumar Hukkery, executive officer of Kundapur taluk panchayat, and Ramachandra M, manager at the taluk panchayat office, were present as panch witnesses. An audio conversation was played before them, and they reportedly identified the voices in the recording as that of H Umashankar and Shekhar G. The Pachamama was subsequently signed.

Later, on March 12, 2025, it is alleged that accused Umashankar threatened the Pachamama witnesses by stating that he would file an atrocity case against them by involving Aarti Giliyaru, who claims to be a journalist. It is further alleged that he intimidated the witnesses and obtained their signatures on a stamped paper declaring that they did not consent to the earlier statement made during the Pachamama regarding identification of the accused persons’ voices. The notarized affidavit was reportedly sent by post.

Meanwhile, a departmental inquiry is said to be underway against the government officials who acted as witnesses. As per a private complaint filed before the court, it has been stated that during the inquiry the accused admitted to having threatened the witnesses and obtained their signatures on the stamped paper.

Based on the court’s direction, Kundapur police have registered a case in this regard. Further investigation is in progress.