Chikkamagaluru: In a new twist to DySP Kallappa Handibhag suicide, the accused – Natraj and Naveen Shetty have made a startling revelation that they had never kidnapped Tejas Gowda and that they only staged a drama of abduction on behest of Tejas Gowda himself as Gowda wanted to settle scores with Handibhag.
They have said that a PSI named Rakesh had a major role to the play in the case, but he has been saved and shielded by some unseen hands. Further the two have also said that Tejas Gowda is a major name in the field of betting in the state.
Police produced six accused in cases related Tejas Gowda’s kidnap and DySP Kallappa Handibhag’s suicide at the second additional JMFC court on October 27.
The government earlier had handed over the case to state CID which in turn filed a charge sheet on August 2. In the charge sheet deceased DySP Hndibhag was named fifth accused. Four out of 10 ten accused were earlier released on bail. They include Naveen Shetty, Ashwin Shetty, Nataraja and Pradeep
Naveen Shetty released on bail suspects Rural PSI Rakesh’s role?
In the charge sheet state CID had omitted the name of rural police sub –inspector Rakesh. Giving a new twist, Naveen Shetty felt that rural PSI had a role in the entire incident and accordingly he should be booked. Admitting his communication with main accused Praveen Khandya, Naveen Shetty alleged Tejas Gowda of plotting his arrest for asking money from Praveen Khandya and taking revenge against DySP Handibhag for obstructing his real estate and betting business. At the same time he strongly felt rural PSI Rakesh must be investigated as he had a role in the entire episode.
If police can nab absconding Praveen Khandya, the truth will emerge according to people who are monitoring the case.
It may be recalled that on June 27, a businessman named Tejas Gowda was abducted and on July 4, cases were filed against four including DySP Kallappa Handibhag. Unable to bare the disgrace, Handibhag had ended life on July 5.
However, the confession by the accused comes as a big relief to the grieving family members of Handibhag who have been awaiting justice so that the dented image of Handibhag could be restored.
