Daijiworld Media Network - Beltangady

Beltangady, Feb 20: In a case that seems to be shrouded in mystery, the body of a man was found in a secluded spot near Netravati bridge in Dharmasthala here on Friday February 20.

At first, sources said that the body was that of Ramdas Poojary (62) from Mumbai, who had gone three months ago. However, by late afternoon, it came to light that the body was not his.

Ramdas Poojary (missing)

It was however confirmed that the unidentified man had been murdered.

The police detained four persons in connection to the murder and took them to the crime spot. The suspects said that the deceased person was not Ramdas Poojary, but admitted to have killed the unidentified man.

The four suspects reportedly admitted that they had also killed Ramdas for money and jewellery, but did not know the whereabouts of his mortal remains.

It is learnt that Ramdas had come from Mumbai to Dharmasthala in December and had gone missing. A case was registered by the Mumbai police.

Ramdas' phone was switched off all this time. However, all of a sudden, it came into the network again a few days ago, apparently used by one of the suspects. The Mumbai police tracked the IMEI number of the phone and nabbed the suspects, who reportedly admitted to have killed Ramdas and robbed about Rs one lac and jewellery from him.

However, when they were brought to the spot where the body was found, they said it was not that of Ramdas, but of another person, who they had also killed. On further questioning, they said they had become friendly with the unidentified man for four days and taken him to the secluded spot and robbed and killed him. They however did not know his identity.

The search for Ramdas is on. 

The suspects have been identified as Devendra, Mallesh, Basappa and Shivanandi, all coolie workers from Bellary.

CCB Mangaluru, Beltangady and Mumbai police are investigating the case, as it is believed that more than two murders have been committed by the same persons.