Siddapur: A violent clash allegedly triggered by a dispute over an illicit relationship left a 41-year-old man dead and two others grievously injured after a group led by a local astrologer known as “Guruji” reportedly attacked a family at a village in the taluk. Police have detained multiple accused, including the main suspects, and registered murder and attempt to murder charges as part of an ongoing investigation.
The deceased has been identified as Vasanth Naik (41). The injured — Mahesh Naik and Kumar — are undergoing intensive treatment at a hospital in Shivamogga. Police said the condition of both injured persons is serious but stable under close medical supervision.
Dispute over alleged relationship led to tension
According to preliminary police findings, the incident is linked to an alleged extramarital relationship involving a woman identified as Suchitra (listed as Accused No. 1) and Kamalakar Bhat, also known locally as Guruji (Accused No. 4), an astrologer said to be originally from Hemmanbail and operating from Shivamogga.
Investigators said Suchitra had been staying at Guruji’s residence in Shivamogga along with her two daughters. The situation reportedly led to internal family tensions and distress. Police sources said one of the daughters later left that residence and returned to her father, Mahesh Naik, who lives in Siddapur taluk, alleging harassment and mental pressure.
Following this, Mahesh Naik is said to have filed a complaint with police in January against Kamalakar Bhat and Suchitra. Officers believe this complaint may have escalated hostilities between the two sides.
Group allegedly arrived at village before attack
Police said that on the night of the incident, Kamalakar Bhat, Suchitra, her father Lokanath (Accused No. 2) and several associates allegedly travelled to Averaguppa village in a vehicle linked to Guruji. Investigators suspect the group intended to confront the family regarding the earlier complaint.
The confrontation reportedly took place near the house of Vasanth Naik, uncle of Mahesh Naik, where the girl was said to be staying at the time for safety reasons.
What began as an argument soon escalated into violence, according to the complaint and witness statements recorded so far.
Victim stabbed while trying to intervene
Police said members of the group allegedly assaulted Mahesh Naik with sharp weapons during the clash. When Vasanth Naik and a neighbour, Kumar, attempted to intervene and defuse the situation, they too were attacked.
All three men sustained multiple stab injuries. Vasanth Naik suffered severe abdominal wounds and collapsed at the scene. He died while being shifted to hospital, police said.
Mahesh Naik and Kumar were rushed to Meggan Hospital in Shivamogga, where they were admitted to the intensive care unit. Doctors are continuing treatment and monitoring their condition.
Residents alerted police soon after the attack, following which officers rushed to the spot and began a search for the accused.
Police detain main accused and associates
Based on a complaint filed by Sandhya Naik, a relative of the deceased, Siddapur police registered a case and launched a manhunt. Police teams detained seven persons in connection with the case, including Kamalakar Bhat Guruji and Suchitra.
According to police sources, some of the suspects who initially fled were later intercepted in Shivamogga, while others were picked up within Siddapur jurisdiction. The vehicle allegedly used by the accused group has been seized as part of the evidence.
The district Superintendent of Police, Deepak, visited the crime scene and reviewed the progress of the investigation with local officers.
“We have secured the main accused and are interrogating their associates to establish the extent of planning and conspiracy behind the attack,” a senior police officer said.
Murder, attempt to murder charges filed
Police have registered cases under sections related to murder, attempt to murder and criminal conspiracy under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and other applicable provisions. Statements from eyewitnesses are being recorded, and forensic teams have examined the scene.
Investigators are also verifying call records, prior complaints and movement details of the accused before the incident. Further arrests are likely as the probe continues.
Conclusion
The killing has shocked residents of the otherwise quiet village, with locals demanding strict action against those responsible. Police said security has been stepped up in the area to prevent any retaliatory violence. Authorities indicated that a detailed charge sheet will be filed after completion of custodial interrogation and forensic analysis.