Daijiworld Media Network - Beltangady (SP)
Beltangady May 1: A body that had been burnt down was found from a secluded spot near Dharmasthala in the taluk on Sunday April 30. There is suspicion that the man in question, who remains unidentified as of now, was murdered and torched.
The charred mortal remains of the man were found from a spot on the road leading to Kokkada via Patrame from Dharmasthala. It is about three km away from Dharmasthala, and the deceased is estimated to be in the age group of 30 to 40 years. It appears that some liquid was poured on the area before starting the fire, going by the fact that the body and a large area around it have been burnt down. However, police could not lay their hands on any clinching clue to establish the deceased's identity.
It is said that this road is always deserted and even many locals are not aware that such a road exists. It is apparent that the killers chose this spot, knowing fully well that movement of people and vehicles on this road is rare and far between.
The likelihood of the victim having started the fire himself cannot be totally ruled out. However, if he was alive when fire was started, he would have at least writhed or struggled to escape from the pain. There are no signs of such movements and the body appears still even after getting burnt. It is likely that the person was killed elsewhere, bundled in gunny bag, brought here, and then torched after pouring inflammable liquid on the bag.
Dakshina Kannada district superintendent of police, Bhushan Gulabrao Borase, deputy superintendent of police, Raveesh, police circle inspector, Nagesh Kadri, sub-inspector, Rama Naik etc visited the spot. Forensic experts also were summoned.
A case of murder stands registered in Dharmasthala police station.