Silvester D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (EP)
Kundapur, Jul 15: Three days after she was found dead in a forest area at Alandoor near Byndoor here, the police are yet to draw a clear picture about the death of 17-year-old student Ratna Kottary.
Ratna Kottary, whose identification had been initially withheld as it was suspected to be case of rape and murder, was found dead on July 12, three days after she went missing.
Addressing a press meet here on Tuesday July 15 after inspecting the crime spot, IGP (western range) Amrit Paul said, "The exact cause of Ratna Kottary's death is still unclear. As three days had already elapsed when we found the body, we were not able to find any clues. We have discussed this with expert doctors and we are expecting the medical report within a day or two."
"The police started investigations on the very day the body was found. The investigation is progressing well. There were no signs of wounds on the body, but it was not a case of suicide. We do not know the exact cause of death yet," he said.
"I have come across several cases during my service of twenty years. However, this is the first case where there are no clues at all," he added.
"The clues were destroyed as the body was decomposed. There are no witnesses. We have questioned some people in the vicinity. We are expecting a detailed medical report. We have a responsibility and we will be fulfilling it. The investigation will continue without break. We will find out the motive and will arrest the culprit," he assured.
To a question on whether shortage of police staff was a reason for serial thefts in the taluk, he replied in the negative. He said that there are enough policemen to work and recruitment of 8,000 police personnel is in progress in the state. The vacancies in Udupi district will be filled soon, he said.
SP Dr Boralingaih, Kundapur DySP C B Patil and others were present.
Govt announces compensation of Rs 3 lac
Meanwhile Byndoor MLA Gopal Bhandary, on behalf of the state government, announced a compensation of Rs 3 lac to the family of Ratna Kottary.
On Tuesday, during the zero hour in the state Assembly session, Gopal Poojary spoke on the mysterious death of Ratna and urged home minister K J George to ensure fair and thorough investigation into the case, while also appealing the government to provide compensation to the kin of the victim.
Poojary informed reporters here that in his reply to the request, the home minister announced a compensation of Rs 3 lac. "The case is being taken up seriously. Four police teams led by SP Dr Boralingaiah have been formed. The post-mortem report will be out soon and appropriate action will be taken based on the findings. In addition, a high-level probe will be conducted under the direction of IGP (western range)," Poojary said.