Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Jul 7: The first investigating officer in the case pertaining to murder of NRI entrepreneur from here, Bhaskar Shetty, at his home, and the then police inspector of Manipal station, S V Girish's examination was held in the district and sessions court here on Friday July 6. Girish is now posted as deputy superintendent of police, Anti Corruption Bureau, Karwar.

During the hearing which began at 11.30 am on Friday, special public prosecutor in the case, Shantaram Shetty, obtained statement of witness from Girish. The session continued till evening. As the entire examination could not be completed by evening, judge of the court, Venkatesh Naik fixed July 16 as the date for next hearing of this case.

Gulabi Shetty, mother of Bhaskar Shetty, was present in the court for cross examination. But because of ill health, she could not be cross examined. Her cross examination, in all probability, will also be held on July 16. As already decided, hearing in the case will continue from July 16 to 19.

Accused Rajeshwari Shetty, Navneet Shetty and Niranjan Bhat, who are currently lodged in Bengaluru central jail, were present by way of video conferencing facility. Two persons, who have been accused of destroying evidence in the case, viz, Srinivas Bhat and Raghavendra, were present in the court along with advocate for the accused Narayana Poojary, Arun Bangera, Arun Kumar Shetty and Vikram Hegde.

As per information, the three accused Rajeshwari Shetty, Navneet Shetty and Niranjan Bhat, who are currently lodged in Bengaluru prison, will be present during the hearing at the district and sessions court on July 16. Advocate for the accused, Arun Bangera, filed application in the court on Friday, seeking personal appearance of the trio during the next hearing to collect information from them personally. The judge approved the application and passed order to present these accused during the July 16 hearing in the court.