Mangaluru: In a major legal development, a Mangaluru court has sentenced a Chikkamagaluru man to life imprisonment for a brutal murder that took place inside a hostel room in Ujire, Beltangady, more than a decade ago. The verdict, delivered on August 28, brings long-awaited closure to one of the region’s most shocking criminal cases.

Crime that shocked Beltangady

On March 1, 2014, the peaceful town of Ujire was shaken when a man was found murdered inside a hostel room. The gruesome incident sparked public outrage and prompted an intensive police investigation.

The accused, Balappa M Kalkolli, was arrested shortly after the crime. Beltangady police station registered a case under Crime No. 126/2014, invoking Sections 302 (murder) and 201 (causing disappearance of evidence) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Court delivers verdict after 11 years

The second additional district and sessions court, presided over by Judge Jagadeesh, found Balappa guilty of the offence after reviewing extensive evidence and hearing arguments from both sides.

  • Under Section 302 IPC: Life imprisonment and a fine of ₹15,000, with an additional six months’ imprisonment in case of default.

  • Under Section 201 IPC: Two years of simple imprisonment and a fine of ₹5,000, with three months’ imprisonment if the fine is not paid.

    • Investigation and supplementary chargesheet

    The investigation was initially led by then Beltangady police inspector Lingappa Poojary, who filed a detailed chargesheet before the Beltangady CJ & JMFC court.

    As the case also involved provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, a supplementary chargesheet was filed by Rahul Kumar Shahapur, IPS, then assistant superintendent of police for Bantwal sub-division. This was later submitted to the second additional district and sessions court in Mangaluru.

    Public prosecutor Jyothi P Nayak represented the state, while ASI Kalaimar and constable Mallikarjuna supported the investigation and court proceedings.

    Justice delayed, but delivered

    Speaking after the judgment, a senior official stated, “Justice may have taken time, but it has prevailed. This verdict brings closure to the victim’s family and reaffirms public faith in the judicial process.”

    The conviction concludes an 11-year legal battle and marks the end of one of Beltangady’s most serious and closely watched criminal cases.

    Conclusion

    The sentencing of Balappa M Kalkolli serves as a reminder of the perseverance of law enforcement and the judiciary in pursuing justice, no matter how long it takes.