Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (MS) 

Udupi, Jul 28: Three years have gone by since the murder of NRI entrepreneur Bhaskar Shetty, a resident of Indrali in the city. He was killed on July 28, 2016 allegedly for property issues and also on the accusation that he had an illicit relationship. 

This murder case, in which, Bhaskar Shetty was brutally killed at his residence in Indrali here and then his burnt in a Homa Kunda at the house of astrologer at Nandalike near Belman, had created quite a sensation in the coastal region.  

The deceased Bhaskar's wife Rajeshwari Shetty, son Navaneet Shetty and astrologer Niranjan Bhat are the main accused in the case. While Rajeshwari Shetty has been released on bail, the other two are still in prison. Srinivas Bhat, father of Niranjan Bhat and driver Raghavendra who were arrested for destruction of evidence, are also out on bail. 

According to the chargesheet filed by the police, Bhaskar Shetty had written a will for his property and valuables in his mother's name. Only the registration of the same was pending. Rajeshwari and Navneet allegedly killed Bhaskar fearing that they would not get the property, if the will is registered in Bhaskar's mother's name. 

Rajeshwari had accused that her husband Bhaskar Shetty, had illicit relation with a nurse abroad. Even the said nurse was called for trial by the court. 

A case was registered for threatening two witnesses who had come to the court to testify. One more case is also registered against one of the main accused Niranjan Bhat for trying to commit suicide by consuming the diamond ring on his finger, while he was under police custody. 

So far the testimony of 74 witnesses, out of the 175, has been conducted. The testimony of three officers of CID, including the investigating officer Chandrashekhar and forensic experts will take place on July 30 and 31. 

Gulabi Shedthi, mother of Bhaskar Shetty had complained on July 29, 2016 that her son was missing. There was protest from the public also accusing that the police was delaying the inquiry. Later the missing case was converted to murder case after the inquiry. Earlier inspector Girish and later DSP Sumana were the investigating officers. Later the case was handed over to CID. 

Chandrashekhar, DSP of CID, who was the investigating officer, had filed a chargesheet of 1,500 pages to the court. Senior lawyer of Udupi Shantharam Shetty was nominated as the public prosecutor for the case. The accused has brought a stay against his nomination. However, the court had upheld the nomination of Shantharam Shetty in its final order. Now Shantaram Shetty is conducting the cross examination of the witnesses.