The police of Yamakanmardi have successfully cracked a high-profile murder case that involves six individuals, including two women.
During a press conference, Bhimashankar Guler, SP of Belagavi District announced about the arrest of the criminals which includer six individuals.
The case revolves the victim of named, Mahantesh Bhimappa Sutgannavar (38) of the village, Haldkeri, Hukkeri taluk, who dies under questionable circumstances in the year 2024, April. The brother (Kallappa Bhimappa) of the victim filed a police complaint alleging foul play, leading to a detailed investigation for justice.
The two police officers , led by Additional Superintendent of Police Shruti, uncovered the details of the case. Mahantesh’s wife, Mala, admitted to planning her husband’s murder. In her statement, she revealed that ongoing family disputes had left her frustrated and tense, leading her to allegedly pay an amount of ₹70,000 to a contract killer, Akash Basalingappa Gokavi, to execute the crime successfully.
The further investigation of Akash revealed a disturbing connection of the other two murder:
1} Nagappa Vittal Mareppgol (34)- In the year 2022, the victim was killed after his wife (Yallava) ,and her lover Siddappa Malgi , collaborated with Akash to orchestrate the crime. Nagppa was harassing the couple upon discovering their affair, was decieved into going on a pilgrimage , strangled and his death stages as a suicide on the railway tracks near Parknatti.
2} Vittal Malgi: In the year 2023, the associates of Akash , Appanna Mushappa Nayak and Ramesh Lapmapa Malgi and murdered Vittal, who had heavily mortagagaed his farmland dur to the addiction of alcohol. They intoxicated him, strangled him at Kundargi Mountain, and then staged his death to appear as a road accident before cremating his body.
There are several arrested individuals in connection of these cases–
- Mala(Mahantesh’s wife)
- Akash Basalingappa Gokavi (the prime accussed),
- Appanna Mushappa Nayak,
- Ramesh Lagmapa Malgi,
- Siddappa Malgi,
- Yallava (Naggappa’s wife)
. The criminals faces multiple charges which includes conspiracy, murder and destruction of evidence,
“Strict action would be taken to assure justice for the victims and their closed family members”, said by Police officer Chief Guled.
This case has highlighted the reality of contrast killing in the region, driven by disputes which were personal and monetary motives.