Daijiworld News Network - Bantwal (MB)
Bantwal, Jul 16: The body of Puttumonu (42), Ulaibettu-Gurupur gram panchayat member who had been missing since July 8, was found in Mulur-Bangargudde in Ira village in this taluk.
Foul play has been suspected since his head has been found separated and was near his feet. The decomposed state of the body suggested that his death by possible murder took place soon after his going missing.
Ulaibettu-Gurupur GP member Puttumonu
Family sources said he had left the house on the pretext of going to settle a dispute and strike a compromise. It is not yet known who the disputing persons or parties are. What has intrigued the police is the deserted spot where is body has been traced.
The owner of the private property found a strong stench spreading in the area and when they went around to find the cause the body was found. The police and family members are puzzled as to what made him go to the deserted place in a private property.
Since the owner of the spot did not know the deceased personally, it is thought that Puttumonu might have been killed somewhere else and his body was dumped at the spot.
The brother of the deceased identified the body on the basis of his wrist watch, shirt and diary he carried on his person. Even a cash amount of Rs 5,000 in his pocket has remained untouched. This supports the theory that the motive of the possible murder was not for valuables but out of some personal animosity, said informed sources.
Rare record - single-vote victory
Puttumonu had been a long-time Congressman earlier. He had won on a Congress ticket in his first term as GP member. Denied of a ticket, the second time he contested as an independent with JD(S) support and won, by one vote, which is a rare record in local elections.