Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)
Udupi, Aug 11: After there was public outcry over sluggish progress of investigation into the death of Bhaskar Shetty and the issue gained state-wide attention, the department has stepped up its investigation.
As per information, the police recovered laterite stones, sand, pieces of tiles, granite and other things which reportedly were thrown into the rivulets at Nandalike and Kalkar by the accused. A few bone pieces were also reportedly found but the police did not confirm whether they were human bones. The items will be subjected to scientific analysis, it is learnt.
Bhaskar Shetty
The accused mother-son duo
The accused-Niranjan Bhat
On this occasion, the Homa Kunda near NIranjan Bhat's home was dug up. As nothing was found there, mud from the area was taken out for scientific analysis. No one including the media was allowed entry into the hall here.
Previous investigating officer, Girish, station house officer of Manipal, and current officer, assistant superintendent of police from Karkala, Sumana, who were present at the venue, refused to provide any information.
For the first time, the police also gathered information from the locals on Wednesday. Even as the police were attending to Homa Kunda digging, Rajeshwari was seen relaxing in the police jeep and reading newspaper. Navaneeth Shetty, who was brought in another jeep, also did not show any seriousness in his face. Srinivas Bhat, father of Niranjan, and Raghu, who are also in police custody, were also brought to the spot.
Niranjan in Hospital
In the meanwhile, self-styled astrologer and an accused in the above murder case, Niranjan Bhat, was shifted from district hospital here to Kasturba Medical College Hospital at Manipal.
It is learnt that a ring and an ear stud out of two studs and a ring Bhat had swallowed in an attempt to commit suicide when in Manipal police station, were ejected out of the body on Tuesday evening. But another ear stud stays deposited inside the body. As the government doctors expressed the apprehension that the ear stud might damage the intestine if it is allowed to remain there for long, Bhat was taken to Manipal hospital after 4.30 pm on Wednesday.
As he remained in hospital, Niranjan could not be questioned on Wednesday too. He may be interrogated after the other ear stud comes out of his body, it is felt.
State vice president of Karnataka State Union of Gram Panchayat Elected Representatives, Dr Deviprasad Shetty Belapu, has urged the home department to probe the previous investigating officer in the case. He observed that the investigation is derailing, people are losing faith on justice system, and accused are provided with high level security. He demanded for handing over investigation either to Chikkamagaluru superintendent of police, Annamalai, or Corps of Detectives. He has fully supported the demand made by Bunt community that no advocates from the district should represent the accused in the case.
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