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.