Ranjitha murder: Finally, absconding Yogesh caught by locals
Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SM)
Updated
Udupi, Nov 30: After three days of manhunt, the police on Saturday November 30 finally succeeded in arresting Yogesh, who allegedly stabbed his love interest Ranjitha (20) to death. It is the locals who spotted and caught Yogesh and then handed him over to the police.
Yogesh went absconding after stabbing Ranjitha on the morning of November 27. Eight police teams were formed to nab him.
It is said that Yogesh was found hiding on a bundle of logs covered with a tarpaulin. The bundle was in the premises of a house belonging to Karunakar. On Saturday morning, Karunakar's wife noticed some suspicious movement under the tarpaulin and alerted her husband. On removing the cover, the couple found Yogesh.
Realizing who it was, Karunakar then talked to Yogesh and coaxed him to surrender before the police, as locals may attack him. The youth agreed to surrender himself.
However, when Karunakar was taking Yogesh to the police station, he escaped from his hands and jumped over a wall. Karunakar raised an alarm and the locals began to chase him. One of them, identified as Janardhan, fractured his hand in the process and got admitted to hospital.
The locals caught hold of Yogesh and also informed the police. The police led by Udupi circle inspector Maruti Nayak, rushed to the spot and took custody of the accused.
As Yogesh had sustained injuries on his leg and seemed weak due to fatigue and hunger, he was taken to Ajjarkad hospital for medical examination.
It is said that Yogesh had tried to take refuge in a forest near Kadekar, but had come to Karunakar's house in search of food and place to rest.
Earlier Report
Udupi: Ranjitha murder - Accused still at large, Malpe SI suspended
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (UM)
Udupi, Nov 30: Amidst rising protests especially by Dalit organizations, Malpe sub-inspector Jayant M was on Friday October 29 night suspended from duty in connection with the fatal stabbing of Ranjitha (20) by her jilted lover Yogesh at Kadekar.
Accused Yogesh and victim Ranjitha
Yogesh's cycle found by police
The family of Ranjitha as well as leaders of Dalit Sangharsha Samiti had alleged that police failure had led to the incident, and had put the blame squarely on Malpe SI for not taking suitable action against Yogesh despite repeated requests and formal complaint.
Udupi SP Dr Boralingaiah has confirmed the suspension order.
The family had given a complaint against Yogesh on September 28, for which the Malpe SI had responded on October 1 stating that action would be taken against the youth if he troubled the girl again. A week prior to the murder too, the family had approached the police, and so also on the night before the incident. However, the police did not detain or arrest Yogesh.
Yogesh had been pursuing Ranjitha for a year or so but she never reciprocated his feelings. Finally, angered at her rejection, Yogesh allegedly stabbed her to death on the morning of November 27 and fled in a bicycle. He has been absconding ever since then. His uncle Rajkumar who had earlier given surety on his behalf was taken into custody, but soon released.
However, official sources said that Rajkumar and Congress gram panchayat member Dhananjay, who the family had alleged of putting pressure on police to drop the case, were detained for questioning on Friday evening.
Meanwhile, the police on Friday found the bicycle on which Yogesh had fled near seabridge at Kadekar. As many as eight teams have been formed under the guidance of Udupi circle inspector Maruti Nayak to find Yogesh.
Sources said that Yogesh was spotted on Friday night having fish fry for dinner at a fast food joint at Kadekar. The police were informed, but by the time they reached there, Yogesh had already given them the slip. He is expected to be arrested anytime soon, police sources said.