Daijiworld Media Network - Shivamogga (SP)
Shivamogga, Dec 13: The family of Nandita, which is still recovering from the shocking death of this eighth standard student, which the criminal investigation department claims to be a case of suicide, had another shock waiting for them on Friday morning. Early morning on Friday December 12, the provision store being run by Nandita's father, Krishnamurty, was burnt down.
After midnight on Thursday, locals saw flames leaping out of the said provision store located on Balebail main road near Thirthahalli. They immediately alerted Krishnamurty, and got involved with task of dousing the flames. However, the fire had grown too big for them to control. Police and fire tenders reached the spot within a short time, but could do little to save refrigerator, provision items, and several other valuables from burning down. Total loss in the incident has been put at three lac rupees.
The incident gave rise to fresh tensions in the area which had to handle lot of rumours and mounting tensions relating to Nandita's death. The fact that the incident occurred within two days since submission of interim report by the CID gave rise to fresh rumours and tensions.
It is said that Irfan, whose name had figured in the controversy over Nandita's death, was moving by motor bike by the side of the provision store of Krishnamurty at around 10 am on Friday. The family members reportedly shouted at him as being responsible for the death of their daughter. At that time, the motor bike of Irfan had brushed against Girijamma, grandmother of Nandita, it is learnt. Krishnamurty got angry at this development, after which Irfan and Krishnamurty got engaged in verbal altercation and pushing each other.
Complaint and counter complaint were filed against each other relating to this incident in Thirthahalli police station. It is said that when Krishnamurty and family members were going to their home, Irfan's family pelted stones at them, injuring an old lady in the Ratnamma. Ratnamma got admitted into J C Hospital. Complaint about this incident was also filed in police station.
District superintendent of police, Kaushalendra Kumar, visited the place and guided the local police over law and order situation. Speaking to media persons,he said that two teams have been formed to investigate the cause of fire, and that the police will handle this case in all lseriousness. He added that no arrests have so far been made in this connection.