Murder plot for latching on to power, to loot grants; GP member Govardhan among four arrested; Victim Nanjundaswamy was found with grievous injuries on Oct. 6; succumbed to injuries at hospital later

Nanjangud: Nanjangud Rural Police have cracked the mysterious death of Nanjundaswamy (47), husband of Devarasanahalli Gram Panchayat (GP) Vice-President by arresting four persons in this connection.

Those arrested are BJP Rural Mandal Yuva Morcha President and Devarasanahalli GP member 36-year-old Govardhan, 25-year-old Zaheer of Neelakantanagar in the town, 24-year-old Manikanta of Halladakeri and 25-year-old Mahendra of KHB Colony.

Details: On Oct. 6, Nanjundaswamy, husband of Devarasanahalli GP Vice-President Sowbhagya, a resident of Kebbepura village was found lying with grievous injuries near Hosuru in the taluk on Sunday night (Oct. 6). Morning walkers, who noticed Nanjundaswamy with grievous injuries on the side of an agricultural field on Oct. 7, rushed him to a private hospital where he succumbed to injuries.

Following Nanjundaswamy’s death, his wife Sowbhagya had lodged a complaint at Nanjangud Rural Police Station stating that, her husband was murdered for political reasons. Subsequently, a special Police team led by Nanjangud Rural Inspector Sunil Kumar was formed to investigate the case.

About 15 months ago, Govardhan had made his relative Sumathi as the President of Devarasanahalli GP, but he (Govardhan) was pulling the strings related to the GP. As per the talks earlier, Sumathi had to vacate the post for Vice-President Sowbhagya after completion of 15 months in office, following which Nanjundaswamy reminded Govardhan about heeding to the talks.

Meanwhile, Devarasanahalli GP was to receive Rs. 1.20 crore grant under the 15th Finance Commission, which made Govardhan jittery, as he would  be losing  the commission, if Sowbhagya takes over as GP President. He (Govardhan) allegedly hatched a plot to eliminate Nanjundaswamy. Govardhan reportedly approached Zaheer and asked him to get rid of Nanjundaswamy. Govardhan had promised Zaheer that he would buy him an auto and give him some money.

On Oct. 5, Zaheer, along with his friends Manikanta and Mahendra, hatched a plot to assault Nanjundaswamy. As it was raining heavily, their plan went down the drain. On Oct. 6, Nanjundaswamy, to take the GP members into confidence, had organised a meeting, which was led by Govardhan at a dhaba which was followed by dinner.

When everyone was leaving, Govardhan reportedly called Zaheer and informed him that Nanjundaswamy was leaving the dhaba and asked him to take care of Nanjundaswamy as soon as he leaves Devarasanahalli GP. Govardhan had spoken to Zaheer for over 20 minutes.

Armed with lethal weapons, Zaheer, Manikanta and Mahendra, who were waiting for Nanjundaswamy, waylaid him when he arrived on his bike, broke his limbs, hit him hard on the head and fled from the spot leaving behind Nanjundaswamy in a grievous condition. The accused are said to have confessed to the crime during the Police interrogation.

Inspector Sunil Kumar said, “Following a complaint, we checked the call details of Govardhan and interrogated the suspects during which the crime came to light.”