Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, May 13: The court here has declined to positively consider the bail application moved by Nagaraja Bhat. Ganesh Bhat, hereditary trustee and priest of Uchila Lord Mahalingeshwara Temple near Padubidri, who was accused of misusing the temple property, had been named as accused in a case of misappropriation of temple property registered in Padubidri station by the assistant commissioner in the department of Hindu religious and charitable endowments. Bhat has been accused of misusing gold and silver ornaments and valuables including puja paraphernalia.

During the interrogation, Ganesh Bhat had revealed that he had sold these ornaments and valuables to his friend, Nagaraja Bhat. Nagaraja Bhat was thereafter arrested and produced in the court of additional civil judge and JMFC court on May 2 this year.

When Nagaraja Bhat moved application for bail, assistant public prosecutor, B Prakashchandra Shetty, argued that he should not be granted bail in view of the seriousness of the case. Judge of JMFC court, Suneeta, upholding this argument, refused bail to the accused.