Court gives death sentence to man for killing four of a family
Principal and district sessions judge D. Vijayakumar pronounced the judgement. The victims were Shambhu Venkataramana Bhat, his wife Mahadevi Shambhu Bhat, their son Raghavendra alias Raju Bhat, and daughter-in-law Kusuma Raghavendra Bhat.The case originated from property disputes following the death of Vidya Bhat's husband on Sept 8, 2022, at a hospital in Manipal. Vidya, daughter of the first convict and sister of the second convict, had disagreements with Shambhu Bhat regarding property distribution. A partition deed was created on Oct 7, 2022, followed by a private survey. Ongoing disputes led to a non-cognisable report on Dec 12, 2022, at Bhatkal police station.On Feb 24, 2023, both convicts encountered Shambhu Bhat at the plantation, leading to an altercation. Subsequently, a violent confrontation occurred near Shambhu Bhat's house, resulting in Vinay Bhat fatally stabbing Raghavendra Bhat. Kusuma was killed upon arriving at the scene. Shambhu and Mahadevi Bhat were also murdered when they attempted to alert others. The convict then disposed of evidence at their residence.Timappa Sannu Gonda witnessed the murders and provided testimony. Additional witnesses included Jayaram Malla Naik, Gauri Mangala Gonda, and Nityanand Govind Pujari. Forensic expert Kasturi Odayar analysed the weapons, whilst Dr Rahila Sana Patel and Dr Sonali Sood conducted the postmortem.The prosecution, led by Tanuja B Hospattana, presented comprehensive evidence. Chandan Gopal, police inspector, conducted the investigation and filed the chargesheet.The first convict received life imprisonment under IPC Section 302 with a Rs 2 lakh fine, and the second convict was sentenced to death by hanging. Additional penalties under IPC Section 201 included imprisonment and fines for both convicts.
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