Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (UM)
Udupi, Aug 7: Stepping up investigation into the murder case of hotelier Bhaskar Shetty, the police have ascertained that Shetty was bludgeoned to death at his house in Indrali here by his son Navaneeth in the presence of his mother Rajeshwari and temple priest Niranjan Bhat. While Navaneeth and Rajeshwari have been formally arrested, Niranjan Bhat continues to remain at large.
Bhaskar Shetty was killed with an iron rod at his residence at around 4 pm on July 28. Thereafter, his body was taken by car to a 'yagashale' in Nandalike, and the body was burnt to ashes. Manipal circle inspector S V Girish however said that the exact way in which the body was burnt was yet to be ascertained. Blood stains were found at Shetty's residence during investigation of the crime spot.
Police also suspect that Niranjan Bhat and Rajeshwari were in an illicit relationship, and Bhaskar came to know about it. The police suspect that Bhaskar had been contemplating removing Rajeshwari's name as nominee in his businesses especially after he found financial irregularities, and both Rajeshwari and Bhat might have conspired to kill him before he could go ahead with his plans. Sources also said that just a few days ago, Bhaskar had withdrawn large amounts of money, which had created some flutter among the accused in the case. There were also talks of divorce, sources said.
Incidentally, after the murder, Rajeshwari and her son in their statement to the police had woven a yarn about Bhaskar having an 'affair' and 'harassing' her for a divorce, but police sources said that no such affair or evidence of harassment existed.
Also, the police, on learning that Niranjan Bhat was a frequent visitor at Bhaskar's house, had already taken him for questioning, but let him free as there was no basis to arrest him.
The police have also formed a special team to nab the absconding Bhat, sources said.