Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (UM)
Udupi, Dec 20: A day after the brutal murder of rowdy-sheeter Praveen Kulal in broad daylight at Hiriadka here, more details about the case have emerged. It has come to light that the person who was accompany the victim had allegedly set a trap for him in connivance with the accused.
Praveen Kulal, a rowdy-sheeter wanted in 16 cases, and who was charged under Goonda Act, was hacked to death by two persons in front of a travel agency in Kotanakatte, Hiriadka on the afternoon of Monday December 19.
It is learnt that Praveen Kulal along with another person identified as Mumbettu Santosh Madivala had been to a wine shop at Ontibettu, after which Santosh took him to Diya Garden restaurant in Praveen''s car. It is said that Praveen suggested they sit in the garden attached to the restaurant, but Santosh insisted that they remain inside.
Sources said that Santosh passed on information about Praveen''s presence to his assailants. The accused, identified as Latesh and Puthige Santu then arrived by bike, and just as Praveen and Santosh were leaving the restaurant, the accused threw tar on Praveen''s face to distract him.
On being attacked, Praveen ran towards his car to fetch a sword in order to counter-attack, but his assailants attacked him brutally. He then brandished his dummy revolver and tried to scare them away by threatening to fire, but they continued their assault, it is said. Meanwhile, Santosh who had laid the trap for Praveen fled the spot.
A badly injured Praveen then ran over to the other side of the road and snatched sickle from a tender coconut vendor''s shop and attacked Latesh and Santu. It is said that among the two assailants, Latesh was more brutal. Soon after committing the crime, the accused escaped in their bike.
Praveen Kulal
All the four persons involved, including Praveen, were known to each other, sources said. About five days before the murder, a programme was held at Praveen''s house, which was attended by Santosh as well as the other two accused.
While Santu has a few cases against him, Latesh from Padubidri is said to be a new entrant into the world of crime. Both were spotted lingering in the area for about two days prior to the murder, locals said.
Both Santu and Latesh, who were injured in the attack, have been admitted to hospital. Sources said that they would be arrested after their discharge. A search is on for Santosh who is presently absconding.
Was note-exchange business the cause?
Praveen had a notorious past and it is alleged that two or three families had even moved from the area of his residence because of his constant harassment.
Praveen was also allegedly involved in the business of exchanging demonetised notes for the new Rs 2,000 notes for commission, and sources claimed that he used to first offer to turn black money into white, but when the black money holders met him, he would threaten and harass them. It is suspected that he might have been hacked to death for this reason.
Meanwhile, the police have formed two teams, led by DCIB inspector Sampath Kumar and Brahmavar circle inspector Srikanth to investigate the case. Efforts are on to find out if someone had hired the accused to murder Praveen, it is learnt.