Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Feb 21: Police personnel of Suratkal police, who arrested Hyderali (44) from Krishnapura, Alex (44) from Vamanjoor, and Praveen (40), a bus conductor from Pandeshwar, produced them in the court on Wednesday February 20. The police are on the lookout for the main accused, identified as Ananthesha Swamy from Bengaluru, who is absconding.

The accused have been charged with offences attracting different provisions of law relating to conspiracy and cheating.

A second year B Com student residing at Madhya village near Suratkal had come in contact with a Swamiji through Jyothi, who operates a canteen near her college. The girl hails from a very poor family. She was offered payment of Rs 20 lac if she agreed to take part in Lakshmi Puja.

The student reportedly was informed initially that the puja was to be held at Udupi. Later, she was taken to Banavasi in Uttara Kannada district. During the puja, she fell unconscious after which she refused to continue with the procedures. Later, the accused reportedly dropped her off on national highway 66 near a hotel at Suratkal on January 28. The girl had filed police complaint on February 2. 

As there was no progress in the investigation, a complaint was also made to Karnataka State Human Rights Commission, alleging negligence on the part of the police in investigating the case.