Beltangady: The brain mapping process in connection with the mysterious death of 15-year-old Sumanth from Sambolya near Gerukatte has progressed, with scientific tests on his brother and two uncles now completed.
The tests were conducted at the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Madiwala, Bengaluru, as part of the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the ninth-standard student’s death. The police had turned to scientific examination after conventional investigative efforts failed to conclusively unravel the mystery.
Brain mapping conducted on three family members
Sumanth’s brother Sudarshan underwent brain mapping at the FSL in Madiwala on August 28. An engineering student at Nitte, Sudarshan reportedly underwent the procedure for around four hours.
The scientific examination was subsequently conducted on Sumanth’s uncles. Radhakrishna underwent the procedure on August 29, while Lakshminarayana was tested on September 1. Both examinations reportedly lasted around three hours each.
Radhakrishna is a priest from Perla, while Lakshminarayana works as a cook in Kasargod. Following completion of the procedures, all three returned to their respective hometowns.
The completion of the tests marks an important stage in the police investigation, particularly as the authorities are now expected to examine the findings along with other evidence gathered in the case.
First phase of questioning held in August
Before the brain mapping procedures, the FSL had conducted the first phase of questioning involving Sumanth’s immediate family members.
The questioning was held at the Madiwala FSL on August 10 and 11. Sumanth’s father Subrahmanya Nayak, mother Rathnavathi, brother Sudarshan and uncles Radhakrishna and Lakshminarayana were questioned during this phase.
However, Subrahmanya Nayak and Rathnavathi were not subjected to brain mapping. Subrahmanya Nayak is a farmer, while Rathnavathi is a homemaker.
The questioning and subsequent scientific tests form part of efforts to establish what happened in the hours surrounding Sumanth’s death and to determine whether the statements and other evidence available to investigators can help explain the circumstances.
Sumanth’s death remains shrouded in mystery
Sumanth, a talented ninth-standard student of Gerukatte Government High School, was a resident of Sambolya in Odilnala village.
On the early morning of January 14, 2026, Sumanth had left his home to attend the ‘Dhanu pooja’ at the Nala Sri Durgaparameshwari temple. However, his body was later discovered in a pond located nearby.
The circumstances surrounding his death raised suspicion, as the family and police were unable to immediately establish how the teenager had ended up in the pond.
The incident caused concern in the area, particularly because Sumanth was a young student who had reportedly left home to attend the temple programme. The discovery of his body under suspicious circumstances prompted the police to investigate the possibility of foul play.
Police formed special team to investigate
Following the death, the police formed a special team to investigate the case. Investigators pursued various leads in an attempt to determine whether Sumanth had died accidentally or whether another person or persons were involved.
Despite sustained investigative efforts, the case remained unresolved. The lack of a clear breakthrough led the police to consider scientific methods of investigation.
Narco analysis and brain mapping were subsequently considered as additional measures to assist the investigation. Investigating officer and Circle Inspector Ravi B S obtained permission from the court to conduct the scientific tests.
The use of such examinations is being viewed by the police as an additional avenue to gather information and examine the circumstances of the case when conventional investigative methods have not produced a conclusive answer.
Police to extend brain mapping to other suspects
With the procedures involving Sumanth’s brother and two uncles now completed, the police department is preparing to conduct brain mapping on other suspects in the case.
The next stage is expected to focus on individuals whose statements or involvement may be relevant to the investigation. The police will have to correlate the scientific examination results with witness statements, other evidence and the circumstances surrounding Sumanth’s death before drawing conclusions.
The completion of the tests on the three family members therefore does not by itself establish their involvement or innocence. The findings will form part of the broader investigation, and any conclusions will depend on the evidence gathered by the investigating authorities.
Father seeks tests on other suspects
Sumanth’s father, Subrahmanya Nayak, has expressed confidence in the police investigation and urged the authorities to continue their efforts to uncover the truth behind his son’s death.
Following the completion of the tests on family members, he has called upon the police to ensure that other suspects are also subjected to brain mapping.
The demand reflects the family’s continuing search for answers nearly eight months after Sumanth’s death. With the investigation now entering another phase, attention is focused on the results of the scientific examinations and the steps the police will take based on their findings.
The authorities are expected to continue examining other suspects as part of the effort to determine the circumstances that led to the teenager’s death and bring the long-pending investigation to a conclusion.