Daijiworld Media Network – Sullia (SP)
Sullia, Jun 23: For the police, the task of locating and taking into custody Nagappa Gowda from Uppukala village in the taluk, who reportedly killed his daughter-in-law, Vidya with the help of a gun, has proved to be a daunting task. In spite of their best efforts, the murder- accused, who is said to have fled into the forests, has succeeded in remaining elusive.
On Sunday June 22, personnel of the Anti Naxal Force (ANF) combed the forest areas surrounding Uppukala in search of Nagappa, alongside police personnel. The police have information that Nagappa Gowda had fled into forests along with the gun, and that he was sighted by a lady at Manadka village the next day. Some had seen him approaching the forests. A few said they head firing sound from inside the forest thereafter, and this had given rise to a sense of apprehension among them.
Based on this information, the police had conducted searches in the entire area, but had not tasted success in their task. Sources said that the personnel had to work amidst heavy rain, slushy terrain, and leeches.
The combing operation was conducted on Sunday by the ANF team stationed in Beltangady with the help of the local police and home guards personnel. The teams, comprised of about 100 members, was divided into four teams for the task, but they failed to find Nagappa Gowda, even after conducting searches till late evening on Sunday. A number of local people helped the personnel in their search operation.
Some feel that Nagappa might be actually hiding in the houses of his close ones around Uppukala. It is learnt that Nagappa had posed threats to some people in the past.
Sullia police circle inspector, Satish Kumar, and Subrahmanya station sub-inspector, Nagesh Kadri, were also involved with this operation. The police are working overboard to nab Nagappa, as the family members of Vidya had met the district superintendent of police, seeking his help to ensure that the guilty is caught and punished.