Belthangady: Labourers have begun digging operations near the Netravati bathing ghat in Dharmasthala at a riverside location identified by the key witness in the ongoing investigation.

Despite heavy rainfall hampering the operation, workers have commenced excavation at the first spot marked by the complainant. The SIT has prioritised this location as part of its search for possible buried remains. 

The development has drawn large crowds, with hundreds of curious onlookers gathering near the Netravati ghat to witness the activity. Once excavation at the initial site is complete, the team is expected to move on to the next identified location. 

Officials have indicated that the search team is likely to exit the forest area only during the midday meal break.

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Bengaluru (PTI): BJP MLA Dr Chandru Lamani, caught allegedly accepting a Rs 5 lakh bribe from a contractor, has been remanded to judicial custody until March 3.

The Shirahatti MLA, a doctor, was brought from Gadag to Bengaluru on Saturday night and produced before a Special Court for Public Representatives, sources said.

The court remanded him to custody until March 3.

The MLA was caught in a Lokayukta trap following a complaint by Vijay Pujar, a Class-1 contractor from Chinchali in Gadag district.

Lokayukta officials said the alleged bribe was linked to Minor Irrigation Department works, including the construction of retaining walls along a road. The accused had demanded Rs 11 lakh from the complainant to execute the project, and Rs 5 lakh was accepted during the trap.

Along with Lamani, his personal assistants, Manjunath Valmiki and Guru Naik, were also arrested in connection with the case.