Accused hailed from Uttar Pradesh; Killing took place for Rs. 12,000 near Hunsur APMC Yard

Hunsur/ Madikeri: In a significant breakthrough, Hunsur Police have solved the recent murder case of Vinu Changappa, an estate owner in Kodagu, who was murdered near the APMC Yard in Hunsur. Investigations have revealed that 52-year-old Changappa was murdered by his friend for money.

The accused, identified as Satish Dubey of Uttar Pradesh, a friend of Changappa, currently running a business in Bengaluru, has been arrested and Dubey has confessed to committing the murder for financial gain.

The dead body was recovered near the Hunsur APMC Yard and a cement block was used to crush Changappa’s head. 

Changappa, a divorcee, owned Shanthi Villa Estate at Yediyur in Pollibetta, Virajpet taluk. After separating from his wife, Changappa had leased out his estate and lived in a  PG accommodation at Gandhinagar in Bengaluru. 

Leading a solitary life, Changappa developed a friendship with Satish Dubey, who often accompanied him on travels and occasionally drove Changappa’s car. Satish Dubey, facing significant losses in a security business, gained Changappa’s trust over time due to the latter’s wealth.

Funeral in Kodagu

On Dec. 19, Changappa had to come to Pollibetta for the funeral of his sister’s husband and both Satish Dubey and Changappa travelled in a taxi, driven by Dubey. After attending the funeral, Changappa was on his way to Bengaluru along with Dubey and they decided to take a break in Hunsur and leave that place after freshening up.

Accordingly, they entered D.L. Bar in Hunsur and after bathing, they sat for a drink. Meanwhile, they had booked a room in Satish Dubey’s name. After a couple of drinks, Satish Dubey told Changappa that he had to leave Hunsur urgently as his daughter was unwell, while Changappa opted to stay and leave the next day.

Dubey had observed that Changappa was carrying  Rs. 12,000 in cash and conspired to take away the cash. With this intention, Dubey invited Changappa for a stroll around Hunsur town. Changappa, who was drunk, blindly trusted his friend and readily agreed, Police said.

Crime with cement block

As they neared the Devaraj Urs statue near the Bhavani Cement Factory, Dubey pushed intoxicated Changappa by the side of the road. Dubey had strategically chosen the spot for its abundance of cement blocks. 

Changappa fell by the side of the road as Dubey pushed him. Using this opportunity, Dubey picked up a big cement block and allegedly crushed Changappa’s head. Later, Dubey searched Changappa’s pockets and allegedly stole the Rs. 12,000 cash. He quietly moved from the place and reached Bengaluru in a bus.

During interrogation, Dubey admitted to picking up a cement brick and using it to fatally assault Changappa after he fell. The accused has been remanded to judicial custody.

Initially booked as an Unidentified Death Report (UDR), the Police, aided by CCTV footage and the address proof provided by Dubey during lodge booking, successfully identified and apprehended the suspect.