Daijiworld Media Network - Beltangady (SP)

Beltangady, Apr 27: Jobi George (20), son of Thomas from Putretpadavil, Neriya, died of gunshot wounds on the night of Friday April 24, but the incident came to light late night on Saturday after the family went looking for him.

On Friday night, Jobi had left home for bringing some bamboo sticks for making traps to catch rabbits. As he did not come back at night, Thomas thought he had gone for rubber tapping directly. A search was launched only on Saturday afternoon and after the parents extensively searched for him, they found Jobi's body lying among the bushes in Neriyakad forest, about two and half kilometres off Neriya main road. The body had wound marks made by bullet and pellets fired from a hunting gun.

It is suspected that unidentified hunters fired at the direction Jobi was working, after hearing the sound created while cutting the bamboo, thinking it to be of an animal.

Assistant superintendent of police Dr Chandragupta, circle inspector Y Gangi Reddy etc rushed to the spot and took up investigation. It is analyzed that unlicensed firearm was used in the incident, as all licensed guns have been deposited in police stations, as this is election time.