Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (UM)
Udupi, Aug 10: District in-charge minister Pramod Madhwaraj on Wednesday August 10 assured that he would do all he can to ensure that there is a thorough and unbiased probe into the murder of businessman Bhaskar Shetty, even to the extent of trying to bring SP Annamalai to investigate, and see that 'money power' does not play a role in the case.
Accepting a memorandum from the Bunt community leaders at a meeting at Ammanna Ramani hall here, Madhwaraj said, "If necessary, I will form a special investigative team for the purpose. This incident has happened soon after the transfer of SP Annamalai to Chikkamagaluru. If necessary, I will talk to the home minister about the possibility of bringing him back to investigate the case.
"We have already changed the investigation officer as there were allegations that the probe was not progressing as expected. Instead of Manipal circle inspector, Karkala ASP Sumana is now leading the investigation," he added.
"There are reports that Rs 2 crore had been withdrawn from Bhaskar's account. The police should investigate as to where the money went. I will do my best to ensure that money does not play a role here. This is a district of intelligent people, and it would be a betrayal to them if the case is influence or the course of investigation is diverted through money power
"If the probe is unsatisfactory, we will hand over the case to the CID or the CBI. Till the culprits are punished, I will support the struggle for justice," he asserted.
During the meeting, Madhwaraj was shown a video in which Navaneeth is reportedly being given 'royal treatment' by the police, by letting him sit on the front passenger seat, and the circle inspector in the backseat.
Responding to the video, Madhwaraj said, "I have already sent the video to the IGP and instructed him to examine and take necessary action."
Lashing out at accused Niranjan Bhat, Suhas Hegde Nandalike said, "The accused Niranjan Bhat has not even completed his BBM. He has only gone for 'vamachara' with his father and he only knows to break coconuts. He does not know anything about astrology. All he can do is pour petrol and burn stuff.
"The police have now found bones, but that is only because people have risen up in protest over the slow progress in the investigation. It is a week since the murder came to light, but the police have still not found any evidence of the body. Even the locals who may be witnesses have not been quizzed. This sends a wrong message to the public," he added.
Birthi Rajesh Shetty said, "When Bhaskar's mother Gulabi Shetty approached the police first, they told her to file only a missing complaint and not allege kidnapping. She was even made to wait for long. This itself shows that the police are being influenced. The mother and other family members then went to Pramod Madhwaraj, who immediately called up additional SP Vishnuwardhan and asked him to look into the matter. It is not just money but invisible hands that are at work here.
"Bhaskar weighed 90 kg. He could not have been killed only by his wife and son. Others are also involved. The police need to probe this thoroughly. We even fear that given the money power and influence, the accused may even be lodged in hotels instead of jail," he added.
Fr William Martis said, "This incident has brought shame to Udupi district. Due to the slow progress in the investigation, people are losing trust in the police."
Zilla panchayat vice-president Sheela Shetty said, "The accused are being given royal treatment and being and allowed to change clothes thrice a day. Money is being wasted and misused. The case should be handed over to the CoD."
Social activist Vishu Shetty said, "These days kids are pampered too much by the parents. Making children doctors and engineers is nothing great, they should teach them morals and values too. We should all take the responsibility of ensuring that our children do not deviate from the right path."
Bhaskar's mother Gulabi Shetty, brother-in-law Jogu Shetty, Ajith Kumar Malady, Jayakar Shetty Indrali, Sukumar Shetty, Uday Kumar Shetty, former MLA Annappa Hegde and many others were present.
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