Udupi: 'I have been Made Scapegoat in Padmapriya Case' -Atul Rao
Pic: Hemanath Padubidri
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)
Udupi, Sep 18: Atul Rao, prime accused in the case of mysterious disappearance and unnatural death of Padmapriya asserted on his release on bail from judicial custody that he has nothing do with the case and that he is being made a scapegoat.
Speaking to reporters who called on him on Wednesday September 17 after he reached his home from Sanjeevini Hospital, where he was undergoing Ayurvedic treatment, Rao said that Padmapriya loathed living at her home here and on her own accord, she had gone to Delhi. "I rented a house at Delhi on May 25 this year and returned home on May 29. I went there again on June 2 and spent about Rs 1.5 lac for advance rent and buying second-hand car. I returned on June 3. On June 11, I went to Vasco via Kumta and again to Delhi by flight from there. After leaving Padmapriya at Delhi, I returned to Udupi on June 13. The police took me into custody on June 14. On the evening of June 14, in the presence of the police, I talked to Padmapriya. On June 15 and 16, I was in the custody of Delhi police. At around 8.30 pm on June 16, I learnt that Padmapriya had committed suicide. I was brought back to Bangalore on June 17," Atul narrated.
"I accompanied policemen to the Shama Apartment where Padmapriya lived, but had to come back as the doors were not opened after knocking. The signature in the apartment book is not mine. In Udupi sub-jail, I was assaulted. The CoD has been investigating the matter. I deny the charge of having abetted the suicide. I have no hand in Padmapriya's suicide. I just wanted to help her out and at the most, I could have been just treated as a witness in the case. I have been now projected as the accused. I reiterate that I am being unnecessarily framed," Atul added.