Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Mar 9: Fear of examinations led PU student Diganth to leave home, eventually being traced in Udupi after 10 days, Dakshina Kannada superintendent of police Yathish N stated.
Addressing a press conference on Sunday, March 9, SP Yathish N recalled that Diganth went missing from his house in Farangipete on February 25, and a case was registered at Bantwal town police station. "He was afraid of his PU examinations as he was not prepared as expected," he said.
The SP further explained that after leaving home on February 25, Diganth walked along the railway tracks towards Arkula main road. He then took a lift from a passerby and reached Mangaluru's private bus stand. From there, he traveled to Shivamogga by bus, then to Mysuru by train, and later moved to Kengeri without a ticket. He later reached Nandi Hills, where he worked at a resort for a few days to earn money. His journey continued as he traveled back to Mysuru via Kengeri.
"From Mysuru, he took the Murudeshwara Express train and got down at Udupi. Without money, he attempted to escape without paying at a shopping center, leading to police being informed about his whereabouts," SP Yathish N said.
While traveling on the Murudeshwar Express, Diganth noticed police combing operations near Farangipete, which he mentioned during questioning, said the SP.
However, SP Yathish ruled out kidnapping in Diganth's case.
Regarding the blood stains found on his slippers left on the railway track, the SP clarified that the injuries were self-inflicted. "He suffered a foot injury and abandoned his slippers and mobile phone there," he added.
Diganth, a PCMB student, had scored 80% in SSLC but was struggling with his PU studies, which led to his fear of exams, the SP stated.
Dismissing allegations of negligence by the police, SP Yathish N asserted that the department had been actively searching for Diganth. "Seven teams were formed under the leadership of the DSP. Combing operations were conducted, and canine squads and drones were deployed. At no point did we show negligence in this case," he affirmed.