Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (SP)

Kundapur, Mar 31: Shettappa alias Satyappa Bovi Vaddar, resident of Ganesh Nagara in Sirsi, who was facing the allegation of murdering his employer for cash and gold, has been exonerated of the charges. The additional district and sessions court here passed this order.

The accused was working as the driver of a tiller owned by Ramakrishna Ganiga from Alandoor, Yadthare, Byndoor here. Ganiga operated a stone quarry. Ramakrishna Ganiga had been found murdered and buried in a pit of organic manure at Ugginakere in Mundagodu, Uttara Kannada district. It was said that the accused had enticed Ganiga to accompany him to that place with the promise of finding labourers for his quarry. Once the two reached there, he killed Ganiga, took away Rs 15,000 in cash and a golden ring from Ganiga's finger, and buried his body, the prosecution said.

Byndoor police, who had registered the case, had arrested the accused. Byndoor police circle inspector, who investigated the case, had filed charge sheet. The hearing which was held at the fast track court and additional district and sessions court, came to an end with the judge of the court, R V Patil, concluding that the prosecution had failed to conclusively prove the guilt of the accused.

Advocates from the town, K C Shetty, and Shiriyara Muralidhar Sheatty, had appeared as defense lawyers in the case.