Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal
Bantwal, Mar 1: The disappearance of a second-year PUC student, Diganth, from Kidebetu, Farangipete, has remained a mystery for the past four days, with no leads emerging despite extensive police investigations. Even after forming three teams and exploring various angles, the police have been unable to trace him as of Friday night.
Amid growing pressure to resolve the case swiftly, Dakshina Kannada superintendent of police, Yathish N, has personally taken charge of the investigation. However, the lack of any breakthrough has raised suspicions. Police and locals conducted a thorough search along a 5-6 km stretch of the railway tracks on the night of February 27 and throughout Friday, but to no avail. CCTV footage from surrounding areas in Farangipete was also reviewed, but no crucial information regarding Diganth's whereabouts has been found.
Diganth had left home at 7 PM on February 25, saying he was going to a temple. At around 8:30 pm, CCTV cameras captured him near Anjaneya Vyayama Shala, but his movements after that remain unknown. Some sources claim that he had deleted his social media accounts before his disappearance. Additionally, reports suggest that bloodstains were found on his slippers, though this detail was not recorded in the missing person FIR.
On Friday, Bantwal rural inspector Shivakumar visited Diganth’s college in Mangaluru and questioned several individuals, but no information leading to his whereabouts was obtained. Meanwhile, prominent leaders, including VHP leader Sharan Pumpwell and BJP leader Santosh Kumar Rai, visited Diganth’s family, offering support to his father, Padmanabha Kidebetu, and other relatives.
An analysis of his mobile phone yielded no significant clues about his disappearance. However, police sources revealed that they retrieved chat records with a girl, though there was no indication of anything that could have led to his disappearance.
Adding to the mystery, CCTV footage recorded at 7:14 PM on February 25 showed a Qualis car making rounds near Sri Anjaneya Temple in Farangipete. Authorities are now under pressure to trace the vehicle and identify its owner.
VHP and Bajrang Dal activists have raised suspicions that drug addicts may be involved in Diganth’s disappearance and have accused the police of failing to act promptly. In protest, they have called for a demonstration in Farangipete on March 1. Messages circulating among the public also urge local shops to remain voluntarily closed during the protest.
On Friday, Western Range IGP Amit Singh visited Diganth’s home and the railway track where his slippers were found. He interacted with the family, gathered details from officers, and instructed multiple teams to intensify the investigation. Dakshina Kannada SP Yathish N and Bantwal DySP Vijay Prasad S were also present during the visit.