Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Mar 5: The Karnataka Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, March 5 expressed concerns over the disappearance of a Class 12 student, Digant, who went missing from Farangipete near Bantwal in Mangaluru district.

Speaker U T Khader raised the issue during Zero Hour, emphasizing that the case had occurred in his constituency. "An investigation is underway, but there is growing anxiety. I have spoken to the home minister, and necessary action must be taken swiftly," he stated.

Minister for primary education Madhu Bangarappa provided details, saying that Digant had collected his hall ticket from his PUC college before informing his family that he was going to a temple at 7:30 pm. He never returned home.

"The police have been actively investigating the case. His mobile phone and slippers, with traces of blood, were found 200 meters from a railway track. A search operation covering a 2-km radius was conducted using drones, but no body has been found. Seven special police teams have been formed to trace the boy," the minister informed the House.

He added that efforts were underway to decode the 16-digit security code on the boy’s mobile phone. The call detail records (CDR) had been retrieved, revealing conversations with friends and relatives, but no evidence of foul play had emerged so far.

"We are closely monitoring the case, and the government stands with the boy’s family, providing them with regular updates," Bangarappa assured.

Speaker Khader advised the minister to explore all possible angles in the case.

BJP MLA and general secretary V Sunil Kumar expressed dissatisfaction with the government's response. "It has been over a week since the boy went missing. Simply stating that special teams have been formed is not enough. He was active in a bhajan group and engaged in organizational activities. A bandh was observed, and our leaders participated. If the case is not investigated by a special force, it could lead to speculation and rumors," he warned.

BJP MLA Umanath A Kotian urged authorities to probe the suspicious movement of a black car near the Anjaneya temple around the time of Digant's disappearance, as captured on CCTV footage.

Minister Bangarappa assured that he would direct the police to examine the footage and follow up on any leads. "We will keep the family informed and ensure a systematic approach to solving the case," he stated.

Hindu organizations and the BJP had called for a bandh last Saturday in protest against the student's disappearance. Members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Bajrang Dal, and BJP, including women, participated in large numbers. Most commercial establishments remained closed in support.

Protesters suspect that a "ganja gang" may be involved in the case and have urged the police to take strict action against drug peddlers.