Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Mar 13: The government has rejected application filed on behalf of Rajeshwari Shetty, prime accused in NRI entrepreneur, Bhaskar Shetty's murder case, seeking withdrawal of the order appointing advocate, Shantharam Shetty, as special public prosecutor (SPP).

Upholding a written request made by Gulabi Shedthi, mother of Bhaskar Shetty, the government had appointed M Shantharam Shetty as SPP in the case. Rajeshwari Shetty had sought cancellation of this appointment through an application made in the high court. The high court, which took up the case, had directed the concerned to file objections if any in the matter with the government. Accordingly, advocates representing Rajeshwari Shetty had filed objections, while Gulabi insisted that Shantharam Shetty's appointment should not be cancelled.

Bhaskar Shetty

The under secretary in the department of internal administration, through a decision announced on March 12, noted that although Shantharam Shetty was appointed as SPP by the government in the case on October 26, 2016, the accused had not expressed any opinion against this appointment either during the trial or during the period the bail application was taken up in the court. The order mentions that the accused had expressed adverse opinion after the charge sheet was filed, that too citing the reason that Shetty has personal interest in the case. The official pointed out that there was no-precondition that the advocate should not have personal interest in the issue.

Explaining further, the order mentioned that the director of prosecution has not expressed the view that the public prosecutor would be able to effectively handle this case. This official has opined that the government can take a considered decision in the case depending on the seriousness of the case and the gravity of crime said to have been committed by the accused. On the basis of these things, the government has decided to continue with the appointment of the SPP by rejecting the plea of the accused, the under secretary said.

On Monday March 12, judge of the district and sessions court here, T Venkatesh Naik, held hearing in the case through video conferencing facility as Rajeshwari Shetty, Navaneet Shetty and Niranjan Bhat, prime accused in the case, are currently lodged in Bengaluru central prison. The other two persons who have been accused of destruction of evidence were present in the court.

Shantharam Shetty told the court that the government has decided to continue him as SPP in the case and that he is yet to get a copy of the order. The judge, upholding his request, adjourned hearing in the case to March 20.

Advocate representing the accused, Arun Bangera Beluvai, and public prosecutor, Shanti Bai, were present.

In the meanwhile, advocate representing Niranjan Bhat filed bail application in the district and sessions court again on March 12. His earlier bail plea had been rejected by the high court.