Daijiworld Media Network – Karkala (MS)
Karkala, Oct 27: Ajekar police have taken Dileep Hegde into custody for further interrogation in connection with the murder of Balakrishna Poojary, a resident of Ajekaru Depputte in Marne village. Co-accused Pratima has been sent to 14 days of judicial custody.
Police escorted Dileep Hegde to Manipal to investigate the source of the poison allegedly used in food given to the deceased Balakrishna. According to reports, Pratima called her paramour, Dileep, late on the night of October 20. He arrived at her home around 2 am and hid in the bathroom without Balakrishna’s knowledge. Allegedly, both Pratima and Dileep planned to murder Balakrishna as he drifted into deep sleep at around 2:30 am. After the crime, Dileep reportedly fled the scene, having parked his bike about 100 meters from Balakrishna’s house.
Reports also indicate that Pratima initially attempted to poison Balakrishna on Ganesh Chaturthi by mixing poison into his food. She is believed to have continued administering small amounts of poison daily, causing severe kidney and liver damage to Balakrishna. Although he received medical treatment at various hospitals and temporarily recovered, his health declined.
Sandeep, Pratima’s elder brother, suspected foul play in Balakrishna’s death and questioned his sister, recording their conversation, which later went viral on social media. In the audio, Sandeep is heard confronting Pratima, saying he spent his own money trying to save Balakrishna and added that Balakrishna’s soul would find peace only if Pratima receives proper punishment.
On Saturday, police conducted a spot inspection at the shop where Dileep allegedly purchased the poison. They have confiscated an I20 car, a scooter, Dileep's mobile phone, and SIM card as part of the investigation.
Dr K Arun, SP of Udupi district, confirmed that Pratima has been remanded in judicial custody until November 7, while Dileep remains in police custody. The post-mortem of Balakrishna Poojary has been completed, and the report is awaited.