Somwarpet: A 33-year-old man died after being struck by a gunshot in Dodda Kodli village near Somwarpet in Karnataka’s Kodagu district, triggering suspicion and prompting a police investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The deceased has been identified as Sachin, son of local residents Eerappa and Lalita. According to preliminary information, the bullet hit Sachin on the left side of his stomach, leading to fatal injuries. The incident reportedly occurred while he was picking black pepper in a plantation in the area.
The case has raised several questions among local residents and authorities, with police now examining whether the gun was fired accidentally or due to negligence.
Incident occurred during pepper harvesting
According to initial reports, Sachin had gone to a pepper estate in Dodda Kodli village to harvest black pepper when the incident occurred. Pepper cultivation is common in the region, and workers often spend long hours in plantations during the harvest season.
During this time, a gun reportedly went off and a bullet struck Sachin in the abdomen. He sustained severe injuries and collapsed at the scene.
Locals who were present nearby reportedly rushed to help him after hearing the gunshot. However, the injury proved fatal, and Sachin died as a result of the bullet wound.
The sudden nature of the incident shocked villagers, many of whom knew the victim personally.
Gun allegedly brought to scare monkeys
Initial findings suggest that the gun may have been brought to the plantation to scare away monkeys that frequently damage crops in the region.
Farmers in parts of Kodagu often face problems with monkeys and other animals that enter plantations and destroy crops such as pepper, coffee and fruits. In some cases, individuals carry licensed firearms or use noise-making devices to scare animals away.
Police suspect that the gun may have been taken to the plantation for this purpose when the firing occurred.
Investigators are examining whether the weapon discharged accidentally while it was being handled or whether someone fired it deliberately without realising the consequences.
Two individuals taken into custody
Following the incident, police took two individuals, identified as Ravi and Diwakar, into custody for questioning.
According to authorities, both men were present at the scene when the shooting occurred. Investigators are questioning them to determine exactly what happened and how the gun was fired.
Police are also trying to establish who owned the weapon and whether it was legally possessed.
Officials said the statements of those present during the incident are being recorded as part of the ongoing investigation.
Complaint filed by victim’s mother
Sachin’s mother, Lalita, has filed a formal complaint with the police regarding the incident.
Based on her complaint, the case has been registered at the Shanivarasante Police Station.
Police have begun examining the circumstances surrounding the firing and whether negligence or foul play was involved.
Authorities said the complaint raised concerns about how the gunshot occurred and whether proper safety precautions were followed.
Police launch detailed investigation
The investigation is currently being handled by the Shanivarasante police.
Officers are expected to inspect the plantation where the incident took place and collect forensic evidence to determine the sequence of events.
They are also likely to examine the firearm involved, including its condition and whether it was handled properly at the time of the incident.
Police sources said the weapon will be checked to verify its licence status and to determine if it was used legally.
Statements from witnesses and others present at the scene will also play an important role in establishing the facts.
Growing concern among villagers
The incident has created concern among residents of Dodda Kodli village and nearby areas.
Many locals expressed shock over the death of a young man during routine agricultural work. Villagers said Sachin was known in the community and that the tragic incident has left the area in mourning.
Some residents also highlighted the challenges farmers face due to crop damage caused by monkeys and other animals, which sometimes forces them to adopt measures to protect plantations.
However, they also emphasised the importance of handling firearms responsibly to prevent such tragedies.
Conclusion
The death of Sachin in Dodda Kodli village has raised serious questions about how the gunshot occurred and whether proper precautions were followed while handling the firearm. As the Shanivarasante police continue their investigation, authorities are expected to determine whether the incident was accidental or the result of negligence. The findings of the probe will be crucial in bringing clarity to the circumstances surrounding the tragic death.