Crime News

A case involving the death of a boy in Uttara Kannada district has taken a serious turn after his mother alleged that his death was not accidental and lodged a complaint naming two people as accused. According to the complaint, the boy sustained injuries after an air gun was fired, initially raising questions about whether the incident was accidental. However, his mother reportedly suspected foul play and approached the police, seeking a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding her son’s death. Based on the complaint, police began examining the sequence of events, the air gun involved and the roles of the two persons named by the mother. Investigators are expected to rely on forensic evidence, medical and post-mortem findings, witness statements and other available evidence to determine whether the shooting was accidental or deliberate. The case has caused concern in the local community, particularly because of the victim’s young age. The mother’s allegation has also shifted the focus of the investigation from a possible accident to the possibility of a criminal act. Police have not yet established guilt merely on the basis of the complaint, and the exact circumstances leading to the boy’s death will have to be established through the investigation and forensic evidence. The incident highlights the need for strict precautions around air guns and other weapons, particularly when children are present, and for a thorough investigation whenever a firearm-related death occurs under disputed circumstances.

A dramatic turn has emerged in the Ranjitha murder case in Yellapur, Uttara Kannada district, after the accused, identified as Rafique, was found dead in a forest area following the killing. Police had launched a search operation with the assistance of a dog squad after he allegedly fled the scene. Ranjitha, a divorced woman and mother, was reportedly returning home from work at a government school when Rafique allegedly confronted her over a marriage proposal. Police reports say that after she refused, he attacked her with a knife and fled. During the search, police found Rafique’s body hanging in the Kaalammanagar forest area of Yellapur. Preliminary reports indicate that he died by suicide after the murder. Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding both deaths. The murder had triggered anger in Yellapur, with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) calling for a bandh to protest the killing and demanding the accused’s arrest. Tensions had risen in the town as police conducted a search for Rafique. After news of the accused’s death emerged, the proposed bandh was called off. Police remained deployed in the area to maintain law and order and prevent any further escalation. The incident has left the Yellapur community deeply shaken and has highlighted concerns over harassment, violence against women and the need for swift intervention when threats or coercion are reported. The police investigation will be important in establishing the complete sequence of events and circumstances surrounding the deaths.

A murder case in Siddapur taluk of Uttara Kannada district has drawn attention after police arrested seven people, including astrologer Kamalakar Bhat, in connection with the death of 43-year-old Vasanth Naik. Police said the incident stemmed from a confrontation linked to an alleged extramarital relationship. According to police, Bhat was allegedly involved in a relationship with Suchitra Naik, who had earlier approached him for astrological advice. Investigators said the relationship continued after she returned to her native village in Uttara Kannada. The case escalated after Suchitra’s husband, Mahesh Naik, and their daughter reportedly approached the Siddapur police. Police allege that later that night, Suchitra, her father Lokanath, Bhat and others went to Mahesh’s house carrying weapons, leading to a violent confrontation. During the clash, Vasanth Naik allegedly intervened while trying to protect his brother Mahesh. He sustained stab injuries and was taken to hospital, where he later died. Mahesh and another person were also injured in the incident. Police initially arrested Bhat, Suchitra Naik, Lokanath and Akash. Three additional suspects were subsequently detained, taking the total number of accused in the case to seven. The accused were later produced before a court and sent to judicial custody, according to reports. The investigation is continuing, with police examining the circumstances of the confrontation, the alleged relationship and the individual roles of those arrested. The case has brought renewed attention to the dangers of disputes escalating into violence and the importance of resolving family and personal conflicts through lawful means.

A horrific road accident near Arbail Ghat in Yellapur taluk of Uttara Kannada district claimed the lives of six people from Dharwad and left four others injured. The accident occurred when a cruiser vehicle carrying the group collided head-on with a lorry near Balagar on the ghat section. The group was reportedly travelling from Dharwad on a trip when the cruiser reached the Arbail Ghat stretch. The impact of the collision was severe, leaving several occupants trapped and causing multiple fatalities. Emergency teams and local authorities rushed to the spot and began rescue operations. The injured were shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment. Police registered a case and began an investigation into the circumstances that led to the collision, including the movement of both vehicles and the condition of the road at the time of the accident. Arbail Ghat is a winding and accident-prone stretch connecting the Yellapur region with the coastal parts of Uttara Kannada. The steep terrain, curves and heavy movement of commercial vehicles can make the route particularly challenging for motorists. The tragedy has once again highlighted the need for strict speed control, careful driving, adequate road-safety measures and regular monitoring of vulnerable ghat sections. Authorities are expected to examine the accident site and determine whether additional safety measures are required to prevent similar incidents. For the families of the victims, what began as a trip from Dharwad ended in unimaginable tragedy, leaving six people dead and four others injured in one of the district’s latest serious road accidents.

The skeletal remains of a 16-year-old girl who went missing from Shikaripura in Shivamogga district nearly a year ago have been recovered from a forest area near Mavinagundi in Siddapur taluk of Uttara Kannada district. Police have arrested four people in connection with the case. The girl, from Taralghatta village, had been working at a paying guest accommodation in Shikaripura. She went missing on June 18, 2025, and her father later filed a missing-person complaint with the Shikaripura police. During the investigation, police examined technical evidence, including information indicating that her mobile phone had been switched off on the day she disappeared. The four arrested persons include the owner of the PG accommodation, another woman who lived in the same building, and two associates. According to the police investigation, the girl had an altercation with one of the accused and was allegedly reprimanded at a nearby beauty parlour. Police said the accused claimed that she subsequently died by suicide in the PG room. Police allege that, fearing legal consequences, the accused concealed the death and transported the body to the Mavinagundi forest area. Following information obtained during questioning, police took the accused to the location and recovered skeletal remains, including a skull. The remains have been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory for examination. Authorities have stressed that the investigation is continuing. Superintendent of Police B. Nikhil said police are examining the available evidence to determine whether the girl died by suicide or was killed. Further legal action will follow after the facts are established. The case has highlighted the importance of timely investigation in missing-person cases and the need for proper protection and monitoring of vulnerable young people living away from their families.