Tumkur District Superintendent of Police Ashok K.V. addressed a press conference on Monday, revealing significant progress in the investigation into the murder of three men from Belthangady in Dakshina Kannada. Ashok K.V. announced the arrest of two individuals and disclosed ongoing efforts to apprehend six others connected to the crime.

He provided details of the incident, stating that on March 22, at approximately 1:15 PM, the charred bodies of three individuals were discovered in a car submerged in Kucchangi Lake within the Kora Police Station limits. Subsequently, law enforcement launched an investigation at the scene and initiated a case.

Through meticulous examination of the evidence gathered at the site, along with local intelligence and scientific methods utilized for body identification, the deceased individuals were identified as Isaac (54), Shahul Hameed (45), and Abdul Khader (34) from Belthangady. Two suspects, Pataraju (35) and Gangaraju (35) of Sira Gate, were detained and interrogated in connection with the case.

ALSO READ: 'Treasure hunt' led to murder, says Karnataka police on three charred bodies found in car

Ashok K.V. elaborated on the motive behind the crime, revealing that the victims had engaged in a treasure hunt with Pataraju for a duration of 6-7 months, entrusting him with a significant sum of 6 lakhs. When the anticipated treasure remained undiscovered even after an extended period, and Pataraju failed to reimburse the money, the victims threatened legal action.

Under mounting pressure, Pataraju, in collusion with Gangaraju and six accomplices - Madhusudhan, Naveen, Krishna, Ganesh, Kiran, and Simon - orchestrated a plan to lure the victims to Biranakallu village, where they were subsequently murdered. The perpetrators then attempted to conceal their crime by setting fire to the vehicle containing the victims' bodies.

Tumkur Inspector General of Police Ravikanthe Gowda and District Superintendent of Police Ashok K.V. commended the diligent efforts of the Tumkur Police in apprehending the accused individuals involved in the heinous crime.

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Lucknow (PTI): BSP chief Mayawati on Sunday alleged irregularities in voting in the recent Uttar Pradesh bypolls and said her party will not contest by-elections in future, particularly in the state, "until Election Commission takes measures to prevent fake voting".

By-elections to nine assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh were held on November 20 and results of it were declared on Saturday. Bahujan Samaj Party contested all nine seats but failed to win any.

"In the bypolls held for nine assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh, there is widespread discussion about the votes cast and the results announced yesterday. I am not saying this myself; it is a common perception among people that earlier, during elections conducted with ballot papers, fake votes were cast by misusing the system, often through fraud," Mayawati said in a press conference here.

"Now, similar practices are being carried out using EVMs, which is a matter of deep sorrow and concern for democracy," the former UP chief minister said.

Not only this, but these activities are now being executed more openly, especially during by-elections, as opposed to general elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, she claimed.

"We recently witnessed this in the Uttar Pradesh bypolls. Similar concerns have also been raised regarding the recent general elections in Maharashtra. This is a major warning bell for democracy in our country," she said.

"Given this situation, our party has decided that until the Election Commission of India takes strict measures to prevent fake voting, we will not participate in any by-elections across the country, particularly in Uttar Pradesh. I am specifically referring to by-elections here," Mayawati said.

As far as general elections are concerned, she continued, there is a somewhat better safeguard because the fear of power changing hands makes the ruling party more cautious.

"In general elections, it is not guaranteed that the party in power will return to power and another party may take over. This fear keeps the government machinery somewhat restrained," she added.

Considering all these factors, our party will contest general elections for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies and local bodies with full preparation and strength, Mayawati stressed.

In the bypolls, the BJP and its ally RLD together won seven seats while Samajwadi Party candidates emerged victorious on two.