Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Jun 24: The investigating officer filed a charge sheet running into 770 pages in the the third additional court here relating to the murder of RTI activist, Vinayak P Baliga, on Thursday June 23. While Naresh Shenoy, who has evaded arrest so far, has been named as prime accused, Srikanth, Shiva, Vineeth Poojary, Nishit Devadiga, Shylesh, and Manujnath Shenoy have been named as other accused.

Vinayak Baliga

Vinayak Baliga had been murdered on March 21, and Vineeth Poojary and Nishit Devadiga were arrested on March 27. It is gathered that the investigating officers hurried through filing of charge sheet as it is mandatory file charge sheet within 90 days, which will expire on June 24. Assistant commissioner of police, Tllak Chandra, who happens to be the investigating officer in the case, said that preliminary charge sheet has been filed now, and additional charge sheet would be filed in the court soon.

Six of the accused have been arrested so far, but Manjunath Shenoy has secured bail. Srikanth is in police custody till June 24. Police sources are hopeful of making more arrests based on the information they are likely to extract from Srikanth. The other four are in judicial custody as of now.

Naresh Shenoy

Naresh Shenoy, who has been named as the main accused at large, faces the charges of murder and hatching of murder conspiracy. Lookout notice issued against him is in force, and the high court has rejected his anticipatory bail application. The fact that his bank accounts have been frozen and asset including vehicles have been seized also finds a mention in the charge sheet.