Daijiworld Media Network - Kadaba (SP)

Kadaba, Dec 15: It has been ten days since Venkappa Gowda (62) from Moolemane, Bilinele in Kadaba taluk was found dead. He had visited the forest to collect forest produce on December 5 along with his neighbour Balachandra.

Venkappa's body was found from Kotehole rivulet near Baagaimale on December 11. Balachandra had got himself admitted into the hospital after keeping the things belonging to Venkappa on the floor of Venkappa’s house. This had given rise to suspicions. Both the bodies of deceased Venkappa and Balachandra bore burn marks. Balachandra was also injured. The police are waiting for Balachandra's discharge from the hospital to question him.

Venkappa's wife, Jayalaxmi, said that the sudden death of her husband has come as a shock. She noted that Balahcandra who accompanied Venkappa has come back and he had concealed the truth and got admitted into hospital. She said she has suspicion about Balachandra's role and wondered why Balachandra, who is not seriously injured, is not being questioned by the police.

The two it is learnt, used to go into the forest together. They usually took with them utensils, cooking items, and liquor. Some suspect that in a drunken state they would have fought with each other, even though there is no clear information about what had happened there.