More details emerge, added suspicion, investigation picks up speed
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)
Udupi, Aug 14: It is gathered that some blood-stained clothes said to be belonging to self-styled astrologer, Niranjan Bhat (26) and wife of Bhaskar Shetty, Rajeshwari (48), which were supposedly worn at the time of consigning the body to flames, were found from a laundry at Nitte village near Karkala. It is yet to be ascertained whether Navaneeth's clothes were among those found.
The police officials are tightlipped about this finding perhaps because of the need to maintain investigation details under wraps as per instructions from higher ups. Shirt and dhoti belonging to Niranjan and pajama of the Churidar worn by Rajeshwari were reportedly found. It is suspected that these clothes were given to the laundry for erasing blood stains. Sources say that police personnel have taken these clothes into their possession.
SP takes personal interest
Since the last two days, investigation into the case has gained momentum, with three teams, one headed by DySP and two by inspectors, are involved. District superintendent of police (SP), K T Balakrishna, has taken personal interest in the investigation, and he has been collecting details on a daily basis and guiding the investigators. He himself visited Nandalike and surrounding areas on Saturday. All the three teams are investigating the crime from different angles like DNA, video clippings, call details, inquest etc.
Assistant superintendent of police of Karkala, Sumana D P, who has been made the investigating officer in the case, has refused to say anything about the investigation. But sources say that after she was entrusted with this responsibility, investigation has become purposeful and result-oriented.
The SP said that DNA matching of the bones found from the rivulet involves lenghty legal procedure as permission from court needs to be taken for collecting DNA samples of the mother or relatives of the deceased for this purpose.
New suspicion
A new suspicion has now been expressed about the veracity of the statement given by Niranjan Bhat, who had claimed during his questioning that remains of the Homa had been discharged into Palli Kalkar rivulet. There are rumours that actually the materials remaining at the end were dumped into River Shambhavi at Kadandale which is four kms further away. On Saturday, the police personnel including ASP Sumana visited River Shambhavi at Kadandale in four police jeeps and two private cars. As people and media persons started gathering there, the team left the spot. Locals said the the accused were also brought to the spot in jeep and photographs were being taken.
Police are not ready to reveal anything about this visit too except that it was part of investigation.
Complete coverage:
- Udupi: Temporary Homakunda used for Shetty's murder - police custody for Niranjan
- Udupi: VIP treament to Shetty murder accused - Police defend meal at hotel
- Udupi: Exclusive - 'Bhaskar never confided in me', says mother Gulabi
- Udupi: Rajeshwari, Navaneeth produced in court, police custody extended till Aug 16
- Udupi: Navaneeth was test tube baby, claims kin; another relative denies
- Udupi: Ear stud removed from Niranjan's intestine, police custody soon
- Udupi: Bhaskar murder 'rarest of rare', says lawyer, accuses cops of botching up probe
- Udupi: Niranjan's father produced in court, cops try to evade media in vain
- Udupi: Investigation into Bhaskar Shetty murder case gains momentum
- Udupi: Will ask home minister to depute SP Annamalai in Bhaskar case: Madhwaraj
- Udupi: Bhaskar murder - Police arrest Niranjan's father; find bones in Palli river
- Udupi: Will he, won't he? Hegde says no decision yet on representing Rajeshwari
- Udupi: Opposites attract? Rajeshwari-Niranjan - Dissimilar traits, similar fates
- Udupi : Slow progress in Bhaskar Shetty murder - Investigation officer replaced ?
- Udupi: Bhaskar's kin urge fair probe, Bunt community flays lawyer Ratnakar Hegde
- Udupi: Niranjan Bhat attempts suicide in Manipal police station
- Udupi: Stony-faced and stylish, slain Bhaskar's wife, son baffle onlookers
- Udupi: Bhaskar Shetty murder - Son Navaneeth was fond of crime serials
- Udupi: Bhaskar Shetty murder - Niranjan Bhat arrested, taken to Nandalike
- Udupi : Niranjan Bhat's love for luxurious life and Bhaskar Shetty murder case
- Udupi: Bhaskar Shetty murder - As cops hunt for Niranjan Bhat, wife's affair angle emerges
- Udupi: Missing hotelier Bhaskar Shetty murdered, body burnt to ashes
- Udupi: Hotelier Bhaskar Shetty goes missing, mother says kidnapped