Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)
Udupi, Jun 8: The cold-blooded murder of NRI entrepreneur from Indrali here, Bhaskar Shetty (52), had sent shock waves through the state. Shetty allegedly was killed, his body was cut into pieces and burnt on a platform meant for holding sacrificial fires. After prolonged hearing, the district and sessions court here pronounced its judgement in the case on Tuesday June 8. The court held three persons including the wife and son of the deceased as guilty of murder and awarded them life imprisonment.
Bhaskar Shetty's wife Rajeshwari Shetty, son Navneet Shetty, and Nandalike-based astrologer Niranjan Bhat, have been held guilty by the court. The court has absolved Raghavendra Bhat, who was accused of destroying evidence, of this charge. The quantum of punishment was announced by district and sessions judge here, Subrhamanya J N.
L to R: Rajeshwari Shetty, Navneet Shetty and Niranjan Bhat, and Bhaskar Shetty
Raghavendra Bhat
Shantharam Shetty
Special public prosecutor, Shantaram Shetty, had argued the case on behalf of the prosecution.
Currently, the main accused Rajeshwari Shetty, is out on bail. Son Navvneet Shetty and Niranjan Bhat are lodged in Bengaluru prison. Niranjan Bhat's father, Srinivas Bhat, who was accused of destroying evidence, had died due to ill health during the pendency of the hearing. Raghavendra has been granted bail.
Speaking to media, lawyer for the accused, Pradeep Kumar said, “The entire allegation made by the prosecution against the accused is false as there is no evidence or eye witness. DNA reports also did not prove anything. Even though, they were convicted. We will definitely challenge this in the high court. As many as 79 witness were examined. Many supported the prosecution. As there is no physical evidence, we will go through online mode to the high court. The DNA report of the blood samples were matched with the deceased’s mother and not the accused. One bone which was collected is that of a lady. The blood stains which were collected have been identified as that of a lady. The body was also not recovered. Some documents which are created are there. The confession statement by accused cannot be prima facie evidence. It is a confession statement before the police and not before the judiciary. We will challenge this. I expect them to be acquitted.”
It may be recalled, on July 28, 2016, at around 3 pm, Bhaskar Shetty was murdered at his house at Indrali here. His body reportedly was burnt down in the altar meant for sacrificial fires and the police got evidence of the same. On July 31, Bhaskar Shetty's mother filed missing complaint of her son in Manipal police station. The police who investigated the case found out that Bhaskar had been murdered. On August 7, Rajeshwari and Navneet were arrested. Niranjan Bhat had been arrested the next day.