98 unnatural deaths reported in Dharmasthala area between 2013 and 2020
Bengaluru: At least 98 cases of unnatural deaths were reported in the Dharmasthala region, including Ujire and Belthangady, between September 10, 2013 and December 2020, according to official police records. These cases have been registered at Ujire and Belthangady police stations based on complaints received during this period.
The causes of death in these cases range widely, from suicide due to depression, terminal illness, and exam failure, to accidental falls, drowning, electrocution, lightning strikes, and even suspected homicide. Several deaths involved individuals consuming poison or suffering fatal injuries due to alcohol intoxication, while some victims collapsed due to heart attacks or other sudden medical emergencies.
Among the reported incidents are:
- A polytechnic student who died by suicide after failing an examination.
- A woman who was found dead in the bathroom of Panchami Lodge during a family visit to the Dharmasthala temple.
- nidentified male and female bodies discovered in the vicinity.
- A youngster who drowned while bathing in a local lake after slipping and failing to swim.
This data was reportedly obtained through a Right to Information (RTI) request by a civic service trust. A list including the names of deceased individuals and FIR numbers has been published by the-file.in, an investigative website. Select case details from the list offer chilling insights into the range of incidents.
One such case involved the discovery of a man’s body on a 14-acre plot in Billarodi near Ujire, reportedly buried under soil and tree logs using an excavator. Locals had long speculated about suspicious activity in the area.
In another unresolved case, a man named Sompa Balakrishna Gowda from the nearby Timarodi area went missing. No official complaint was filed, but whistleblower Bhaskar Badakottu raised suspicions of powerful individuals being involved in his alleged disappearance.
A tragic car accident on May 4, 2019, near Siddavana claimed the lives of Vishwesh (20) and Kshitij Jain (24) when a large tree fell on their vehicle. Both occupants, seated in the rear, suffered fatal head injuries.
In November 2020, an unidentified male body was found near Neera Chilume in Ujire.
Another shocking case dates back to March 1, 2014, when a man and woman checked into Room 104 of Rajlila Residency in Ujire. The woman was later found semi-nude and dead in the bathroom. Authorities suspect she was murdered by her male companion, who reportedly locked the door from outside and fled.
In a separate incident, 57-year-old Annigowda died by suicide by ingesting poison in a remote forested area. His decomposed body was found on October 23, 2016, in the Adamge government hills.
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Power tariffs under BESCOM to rise from May 1
Bengaluru (PTI): Power bills for consumers under the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) will go up from May 1, following an order issued by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) on Friday.
The hike comes after KERC allowed the BESCOM to recover a revenue deficit of Rs 2,068 crore incurred in 2024-25, from the consumers.
As a result, for every unit of electricity consumed in 2024-25, the customers will be charged an additional 56 paise, it said.
"BESCOM shall calculate, for each of the active consumers of FY2024-25 the amount to be recovered based on their actual energy consumption during FY2024-25. Such amount shall be recovered during FY 2026-27 in equal monthly instalments, to be called as 'FY25 True up Charges', commencing from the first meter reading date falling on or after 1 May 2026 and concluding with the reading date ending on 30 April 2027," the order said.
"It is further ordered that BESCOM shall maintain a separate head of account, allocated for the purpose, to record the adjustment of the said amount to ensure full recovery of the deficit," it added.
Similarly Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (CESC) has also recorded a revenue deficit of Rs 121.71 crore and can collect an additional 15 paisa per unit for consumption in 2024-25, official sources said.
