Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Jul 16: The team of the officers of criminal investigation department (CID), which has been entrusted with the task of investigating suicide committed by Chikkamagaluru deputy superintendent of police (DySP), Kallappa Handibag on Jyly 5, has issued lookout notice for the accused. These notices pertain to Praveen Khandya, an activist of Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Sere Naveen Shetty, and Abhi alias Abhiram alias Abhijith, all of whom have gone missing since the police officer ended his life.

CID has announced rewards for those who provide information about the whereabouts of these persons.

Kallappa Handibag had committed suicide after allegations that he had helped some abductors surfaced. Thereafter, there was information that Praveen Khandya and his associated had executed this kidnapping. As soon as this became public, these three persons have gone underground. The department has also warned of stringent action against anyone sheltering the accused.

As per the preliminary investigation by the department, Handibag extended help to abductors without being aware of the fact of their role in abduction. A senior officer had invited Kallappa to his office when coffee planter and financier, Tejas Gowda, was abducted. It is said that a former MLA and Praveen Khandya were present there. This former MLA and officer were close to Praveen Khandya. Kallappa was instructed by them to help Praveen recover ten lac rupees from a person, it is said. The investigating officers believe that Kallappa was not aware of Tejas Gowda's abduction.

Praveen Khandya from Khandya village near Balehonnur was always identified with right wing activities, it is said. After some differences arose between him and some Bajrang Dal activists, his activities were shifted mostly to Vishwa Hindu Parishad, it is said. Reportedly, he has built a large empire in Chikkamagaluru and has close association with several politicians and government officials.