Belthangady: Belthangady MLA Harish Poonja has met Home Minister G. Parameshwara and submitted a memorandum seeking a detailed and comprehensive investigation into the suspicious death of Sumanth, a boy from Odilnala village, who had gone out to attend the final day of Dhanurmasa Puja and was later found dead under unexplained circumstances.
Boy went missing after leaving for temple
Sumanth had left his house early in the morning on January 14 to visit a nearby temple in connection with Dhanurmasa Puja. When he failed to return home, family members and villagers launched a search. His sudden disappearance triggered anxiety in the village, with residents joining efforts to trace his whereabouts.
After hours of searching, Sumanth’s body was found in a pond located close to his house. The circumstances under which the body was discovered immediately raised suspicion among locals and family members, who questioned whether the death could have been accidental.
Signs of violence observed
Police officials who examined the body reportedly observed signs of a severe blow to the head. Based on the nature of the injuries, the police concluded that the death was not accidental. Subsequently, a case of murder was registered, and an investigation was initiated.
The registration of a murder case confirmed fears expressed by the family and villagers, who had been demanding a serious probe from the outset. However, despite the passage of several days, the police have not shared any detailed information regarding the progress of the investigation.
Lack of clarity fuels concern
The absence of official updates has led to growing concern and speculation in the village and surrounding areas. Residents have expressed apprehension over the delay in identifying suspects or establishing a clear motive behind the killing.
Family members of the deceased have also sought clarity from the authorities, urging them to expedite the investigation and bring those responsible to justice. Locals have said that the silence surrounding the case has only deepened mistrust and anxiety.
MLA raises issue with Home Minister
Against this backdrop, Belthangady MLA Harish Poonja met Home Minister G. Parameshwara at Vidhana Soudha and submitted a memorandum highlighting the seriousness of the case. In the memorandum, the MLA urged the Home Minister to intervene and ensure a thorough, transparent and time-bound investigation.
Poonja reportedly stressed that the suspicious death of a young boy had shaken public confidence and that it was essential for the police to place the truth before the public at the earliest. He also sought assurances that all possible angles would be examined and that no lapses would occur in the investigation.
Demand for comprehensive investigation
The MLA emphasised the need for a comprehensive probe, including forensic examination, scrutiny of call records, and questioning of all individuals who may have had contact with the victim prior to his disappearance. He also urged the authorities to ensure that the family of the deceased receives justice without delay.
According to sources, the Home Minister assured the MLA that the matter would be looked into and that appropriate instructions would be issued to the police to intensify the investigation.
Public interest and accountability
The case has attracted public attention not only due to the tragic nature of the death but also because of concerns over accountability and transparency in criminal investigations. Residents and community leaders have said that timely disclosure of facts is crucial to maintaining public trust.
They have also called upon the police department to communicate regularly with the family and the public to avoid rumours and misinformation.
Conclusion
As the investigation continues, the demand for answers in Sumanth’s death is growing louder. The intervention sought by MLA Harish Poonja reflects mounting public pressure for a credible and comprehensive probe. The coming days are expected to be crucial in determining the course of the investigation and in establishing the truth behind the suspicious death that has unsettled the region.