Mangalore: Dinesh Gowda's death at Nekkilu was murder, not accident: Thimarodi
Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (DV)
Mangalore, Dec 14: Mahesh Shetty Thimarodi, chief of Praja Prabhutva Vedike, on Friday December 14 alleged that the death of Dinesh Gowda at Nekkilu in Beltangady on November 20 was a planned murder and not an accident as projected.
Addressing a press meet here, Thimarodi said, "Sowjanya's case which started off as a small protest 14 months ago has now turned into a revolution and a campaign. During these 14 months there were a few mysterious deaths which were closely related to Sowjanya’s murder. First, Ravi Poojary, who was a witness in the case, committed suicide. Secondly, the death of Varija Acharthi, a maid servant in the house of Dheeraj Jain in Samse, and thirdly, the death of Dinesh Gowda, which was a murder termed as 'accident'. This is all a strategy."
He further added, "Dinesh Gowda’s mortal remains were cremated at around midnight, and the next day at around 9 am, his father Babi Gowda was taken to the police station by Babi Gowda’s brother Siddappa Gowda and Sham Sunder Nada. They coaxed Babi Gowda to give a statement and hence, a complaint was filed with Dakshina Kannada SP alleging that Dinesh's death was a murder."
Dinesh's father Babi Gowda who was also present said, "My son’s death is not an accident but a murder. Although earlier it was stated to be an accident, my brother Siddappa Gowda and Sham Sundar Nada told me to do as they said, and I did. During those times, I was not fully conscious due to the shock of my son’s death. I know they took me to the police station. Three days after this incident, Sham Sundar Nada took me to Siddavana Gurukula where I was offered Rs 40,000 by an unknown person. There Nada told me that he would help me get more benefits from Dr Veerendra Heggade after the conclusion of this case. He also put pressure on me to withdraw the case against Balakrishna Poojary and say that it was not a murder but an accident. Balakrishna Poojary had also threatened my son for posting hoardings demanding justice for Sowjanya," he added.
Gopi Gowda, Dinesh Gowda’s mother, said, "After the death of our elder son Umesh Gowda, Dinesh was the backbone of the family. Once, he told me about the threat from Balakrishna Poojary for posting a banner on Sowjanya issue. Balakrishna had even attempted to kill my son but fortunately he escaped. Immediately after the accident, instead of giving water to my son who was critically injured, he was drinking water and washing his face."
Mahesh Shetty said, "Many non-bailable cases were filed against me and my supporters. Although there is a lot of chaos and confusion in the government, representatives and police are favoring them. Immediately after this accident, two murder accused Prakash and Sukesh Jain rushed to the spot and this raises doubts of murder. This murder was later termed as an accident. Sham Sundar Nada was also member of HJV and an aide of Prathap Simha Nayak, BJP district president, and Beltangady taluk Hitharakshane Vedike. We will file a PIL in the Supreme Court seeking investigation into all the mysterious murder cases which took place in the vicinity."
On Sowjanya’s case Mahesh Shetty said, "Sowjanya’s case has officially not been handed over to the CBI. When I asked the MLA he said that it is not even being discussed in the cabinet meeting. It is very difficult to understand."
On this occasion, Ravi Poojary was present.