Madikeri, June 5 – The CID has begun its probe into the murder of an undertrial, who was stabbed by another undertrial at the District Central Prison in Madikeri on June 1 night.

The deceased undertrial is Hemanth (26), a resident of T. Shettigeri village in Ponnampet taluk. He was allegedly stabbed by his relative Rajesh, an undertrial in a murder case.

The CID officials have begun the probe regarding negligence by Jail officials and staff initially, it is learnt.

Post-mortem was conducted by two Government doctors at MMC&RI mortuary at Mysuru in the presence of a Judge and the entire procedure has been videographed. The post-mortem report and the copy of the video will be handed over to the CID soon, sources said.

As the Madikeri Central Prison falls under Madikeri Rural Police limits, Madikeri Rural Circle Inspector Chandrashekar and staff, with permission from the Judge have already conducted the spot mahazar.

It is learnt that footages of CCTV cameras installed at the spot have been collected to help in the investigation. Details of spot mahazar and seized items are yet to be handed over to               the CID.

Hemanth (deceased undertrial), Jagadish, Indira, Ravi and Rajesh (undertrial in a murder case) are relatives residing at T. Shettigeri village. Recently, there was a scuffle between them over property and family issues and Srimangala Police had registered a case against four of them. The Police had arrested Rajesh in a 2022 murder case and was remanded to Judicial Custody.

On the night of June 1, when Hemanth and Rajesh were in the kitchen, a wordy duel ensued between them. As the issue escalated, Rajesh reportedly picked up a knife and allegedly stabbed Hemanth.

When Hemanth collapsed on the floor and was bleeding profusely, the Prison staff immediately shifted him to Madikeri District Hospital, where he was provided first-aid and was shifted to K.R. Hospital in Mysuru, where he succumbed to injuries at about 7.30 pm on June 2.