Kundapura: The Kundapura Rural Police have arrested a 44-year-old man who had been absconding for nearly a decade in connection with a dowry harassment case registered in 2015. The accused, Shashikant Shetty from Akkunje in Siddapur village, was taken into custody from West Bengal after sustained efforts by the police.
According to officials, Shetty had married a local woman in 2015. However, the marriage reportedly collapsed within six months due to dowry-related harassment and disputes. Following a complaint lodged by his wife, a case was registered at the Kundapura Rural Police Station under relevant sections pertaining to dowry harassment.
Accused evaded arrest for years
Police sources said that soon after the case was filed, the accused allegedly went into hiding and managed to evade arrest for several years. Despite repeated attempts to trace him, his whereabouts remained unknown, delaying progress in the case.
Over time, the case remained pending as the accused continued to remain absconding. However, the Kundapura Rural Police revived efforts to track him down based on fresh inputs and technical surveillance.
Traced to West Bengal
A police team led by ASI Shankar S. and Head Constable Ashok Shetty traced the accused to Baninathpur in Murshidabad district of West Bengal. After confirming his identity and movements, the team conducted an operation and successfully arrested him.
Police said that during the course of investigation, it was revealed that Shetty had reportedly married another woman in West Bengal while the earlier case was still pending against him in Karnataka.
Officials are now verifying the details of his second marriage and examining whether additional legal implications arise from the development.
Produced before court
Following his arrest, the accused was brought to Karnataka and produced before the First Civil Judge and JMFC Court in Kundapura. The court remanded him to judicial custody.
He has since been lodged in the district prison at Hiriyadka.
Ongoing investigation
Police stated that further investigation is underway to complete procedural formalities and pursue the case in accordance with law. Authorities reiterated their commitment to tracking down absconding accused, even in long-pending cases.
The arrest after nearly 10 years highlights the continued efforts of law enforcement agencies to ensure that accused persons do not escape the legal process by relocating to distant states.