Bengaluru: A 36-year-old man accused in a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act was allegedly murdered in the city, with the victim’s father and three others arrested for the crime.
The deceased, identified as Ramesh Shrishail Pattadakalmata, was found dead on April 28 after his body was dumped in a rajakaluve (stormwater drain) in Allalasandra. He was originally from Mudhol taluk in Bagalkot district and was working as a food delivery agent while staying in a paying guest accommodation in Yelahanka.
Body discovered, probe begins
According to police, the Yelahanka police station received information about an unidentified body in the drain on April 28. After identification, Ramesh’s family members were informed.
Following a postmortem conducted on April 30 at Dr BR Ambedkar Hospital, the body was handed over to his relatives. During this process, suspicion arose regarding the involvement of the minor girl’s father and his associates.
Four accused arrested
Acting on leads, the police arrested four persons, including the victim’s father, along with three others identified as Chinnaiah Matapathi (29), Chetan Madara (26), and Vinayak Guruva (19), all natives of Mudhol taluk.
The arrests were made on the night of May 1, and the accused were brought to Bengaluru for further investigation.
Background of the case
Police said Ramesh and the minor girl were relatives and were reportedly in a relationship. In 2022, a case was registered against him under the POCSO Act for allegedly sexually assaulting the girl.
After the case, Ramesh was jailed and later released. Meanwhile, the girl’s father reportedly sent her to Bengaluru for education.
However, Ramesh is said to have come to the city as well after learning about her whereabouts.
Murder planned as revenge
Investigators believe the girl’s father, fearing for her safety and seeking revenge, conspired with his associates to eliminate Ramesh.
On April 27, the accused allegedly travelled to Bengaluru in a rented car. They reportedly took Ramesh to a bar, where they later strangled him using a nylon rope.
After the murder, the body was disposed of in the drain at Allalasandra in an attempt to conceal the crime.
Police investigation underway
Police have registered a murder case and are continuing their investigation to gather further evidence and establish the sequence of events.
Officials are also examining call records and movements of the accused to strengthen the case.
Conclusion
Preliminary findings suggest the murder was driven by personal enmity stemming from the earlier POCSO case. Authorities have reiterated that taking the law into one’s own hands is a serious offence and that due legal process must be followed.