Chikkaballapura (PTI): A 34-year-old Yoga teacher faked her death using breathing techniques and saved herself after allegedly being assaulted, strangled and then buried by a group of people who assumed she was dead, police said on Friday.
Five people, including a woman identified as Bindu and her friend named Satish Reddy who runs a detective agency in Bengaluru, have been arrested in connection with the incident, they said.
"Bindu suspected her husband of having an affair with the Yoga teacher and asked Reddy to keep a tab on the woman and her proximity to him. As part of the plan, Reddy allegedly befriended the victim some three months ago on the pretext of taking Yoga classes from her and during this period, he managed to gain her confidence," a police official said.
In her complaint, the victim alleged that on the pretext of showing some places around the city on October 23, he came to her house near Dibburahalli and took her in a car in which three other men were also present.
She alleged that they took her to a secluded spot on the outskirts of the city and allegedly stripped and assaulted her.
According to her, she was thrashed, threatened and strangled using a cable. She claimed that she played along, pretended to be unconscious and faked her death using breathing techniques.
"Assuming the woman died, the accused allegedly dug a pit and covered her body with thin layers of soil because they were in a hurry and feared to be caught. But before leaving, they took away all her gold jewellery," a senior police officer said.
She claimed that she later managed to wriggle out of the pit and with the help of some villagers, got clothes and managed to reach the police station to file a complaint, he said.
The woman was sent for a medical examination as per procedure and admitted to a hospital.
"Based on the complaint, we registered a case under sections of kidnapping, attempt to murder and other appropriate sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Based on the investigation, we arrested five people, including Reddy and Bindu, on November 6," the officer said.
The vehicle in which the victim was kidnapped was allegedly stolen from Bengaluru, police said, adding, the victim's jewellery has also been recovered with the arrests.
"We are trying to verify all the claims made by the victim. There were also some online money transactions between Bindu and the associates and we are investigating the money trail also," he added.
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Mysuru (Karnataka), Nov 8: Kannada language through 'bhakti sangeetha' touches the core of the heart directly, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said here on Friday.
Sitharaman was speaking at Mysuru Sangeetha Sugandha Festival being organised by the Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and the Sangeet Natak Akademi to showcase Karnataka’s musical and cultural heritage.
The festival, which was inaugurated on November 8 will be held till November 10.
Sitharaman during her keynote address said Mysuru Sangeetha Sugandha should aim not just promoting Dasa Keerthana or Carnatic music, but should also use the platform to promote Kannada language.
"I understand a lot of emphasis is placed on Carnatic music, on the GI (geographical indication) items from around this area. But personally, I strongly believe Kannada language, through bhakti sangeetha, is something which touches the core of one's heart directly," said Sitharaman, urging the organisers to use that to promote Kannada.
She also said Mysuru is the right place for the Sangeetha Sugandha festival, for it is not only home to many stalwarts of Carnatic music but even one of its royal family members – the last ruling Maharaja of Mysuru Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar – was an ardent musician, who has composed a lot of songs.
But she said the state government should make all the efforts possible to ensure the festival reaches many outside Karnataka digitally.
"If we can build through word of mouth, through media, through our contacts so that all Kannadigas, wherever they live, link through digital mode and enjoy the beauty of this language and the beauty of this sangeetha,” added Sitharaman.
She also said the Central government too has put in a lot of thought in preparing for the event.
"That is why the events are also going to be held in many places, including the National Gallery of Modern Art in Bengaluru, where a Carnatic vocalist will be singing," said Sitharaman.
According to her it is also going to be held in Aparameya Swamy temple in Doddamalluru of Ramanagara district, Sri Rama Mandira in Rudrapatna of Hassan district and even in Araga of Shimoga district, the birthplace of Purandara Dasa, considered the father of Carnatic music.
Sitharaman also said in future many events are being planned around Karnataka Rajyotsava.
"From here on, every year on the first weekend in November – Friday, Saturday, Sunday – this festival for promoting Mysuru, Kannada and sangeetha will be undertaken on behalf of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture," she said.
She urged people to come and support these efforts as they have always had.
"The artists do not need anything more than the recognition, which you, as a city of culture, have always had. I appeal to you to keep that momentum up. Support these artists. Promote Karnataka, promote Carnatic music and promote the sweet Kannada language," added the finance minister.
Earlier, a man had interrupted the event to make a request to Sitharaman.
He walked up to the stage where Sitharaman was seated and insisted that 'guarantees' should not be announced in the poll-bound Maharashtra. He was escorted out of the auditorium and the programme continued.
The event was also attended by Karnataka Social Welfare Minister H C Mahadevappa, Union Minister Suresh Gopi and Mysuru MP Yaduveer Krishnadutta Wodeyar.
Smt @nsitharaman addresses the audience at the inauguration of 'Mysuru Sangeetha Sugandha 2024' Festival in Mysuru, Karnataka.
— Nirmala Sitharaman Office (@nsitharamanoffc) November 8, 2024
Also present on the occasion are Shri Suresh Gopi (@TheSureshGopi), Hon'ble Minister of State for Tourism & Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri Yaduveer… pic.twitter.com/fgGTTUa2KE