Mangaluru: The investigation into the murder of Lavanya gathered pace on Wednesday as police reconstructed a crucial sequence of events in Uppinangady, where the accused is alleged to have purchased the weapon used in the killing. Investigators conducted a mahazar at the shop identified during the probe, days after concluding that the murder was allegedly premeditated.
Lavanya was hacked to death at the B.C. Road bus stand on July 16, in a daylight attack that sent shockwaves across Dakshina Kannada and triggered widespread public concern.
Police reconstruct sequence of events
According to investigators, the accused, identified as Chetan, had allegedly planned the murder in advance. As part of the investigation, police traced his movements to Uppinangady on July 15, a day before the incident.
Investigators said Chetan visited a shop dealing in agricultural implements, where he allegedly examined a long knife commonly used for agricultural work. Police said he initially enquired about the price of the weapon before leaving the premises without making a purchase.
The accused is then believed to have visited other locations before returning to the same shop later that day to buy the knife.
CCTV footage strengthens investigation
Police have collected CCTV footage from the shop as part of the evidence in the case. According to investigators, the footage allegedly shows the knife being wrapped in paper and packed after it was purchased.
The CCTV footage also reportedly captures the accused leaving the packed knife at the shop temporarily before returning after a short interval to collect it and leave the premises.
Investigators believe the footage will help establish the sequence of events leading up to the murder and strengthen the prosecution’s case.
Mahazar conducted at the shop
As part of the ongoing investigation, police brought the accused to the shop in Uppinangady on Wednesday to conduct a mahazar and recreate the events surrounding the alleged purchase of the weapon.
The accused’s face was covered with a black cloth while he was escorted to the location. Investigators documented the scene, verified details related to the purchase and completed the evidence collection process in the presence of witnesses.
Police said the exercise forms an important part of the investigation aimed at corroborating statements and material evidence gathered so far.
Murder believed to have been planned
Investigators have maintained that the murder was not a spontaneous act but was allegedly planned in advance. The reconstruction of the weapon purchase is expected to help establish the preparation that preceded the fatal attack.
Police are continuing to analyse CCTV footage, witness statements and other forensic evidence while piecing together the chain of events leading to the murder.
Further investigation is underway, and officials are expected to file additional evidence as the probe progresses.