Daijiworld Media Network - Moodbidri (SP)

Moodbidri, Oct 17: Rumours about the murder-accused in Hindu activist, Prashant's murder case here, having already been captured by the police have been making the rounds since several days. But in the midst of this unsubstantiated information, the police remain tight-lipped about the case.

Hindu organizations strongly suspect that Bajrang Dal activist, Prashant, who had taken a leading role in action against cattle thieves since sometime, was killed by those associated with cattle trafficking. As per information, Prshant had revealed the names of some of the attackers who attacked him with lethal weapons, when being shifted to hospital, to his friends.

It is said that the police operation in the case could not gain momentum as several suspects suddenly disappeared from their homes. Efforts made to get some clue about the murderers with the help of closed circuit television cameras in the area did not bear fruits, many people claim.

Top BJP leaders and also representatives of a number of political, social, and religious organizations including former chief minister, Yeddyurappa, and Sri Ram Sene founder, Pramod Mutalik, visited Prashant's house after he was killed on October 9. A number of them have expressed surprise and suspicion about the fact that district in-charge minister and local MLA, who also happens to be a state minister, have stayed away from visiting the victim's home so far.

There are expectations that a clear picture about the breakthrough achieved by the police in the case will come into the open on Saturday or Sunday.

For the first time in its history, the town observed bandh for two days in protest against this gory murder.

The fact that Vaman Kotian (68), who was operating a petty shop a little distance away from the spot of murder committed suicide on Thursday, fuelled rumours further. Police had reportedly interrogated him about the incident, and he had become subdued and distraught since Prashant was killed, locals say, reportedly after he received threats from unknown people.