DAVANGAERE: A day after Honnali MLA M P Renukacharya’s nephew Chandrashekar’s body was found in an SUV which had crashed into a canal, the police have registered an FIR for murder and destruction of evidence, based on a complaint from his father Ramesh.
Ever since the body was recovered, there have been several suspicions surrounding the death. Though both the front airbags had deployed, Chandrashekar’s body was found in the rear seat with his hands and legs tied. There were also injury marks on the ears and head, the father’s complaint said. The family also feels that the SUV was dumped into the canal after Chandrashekar was murdered with blows from a sickle to his head.
After the post-mortem, the body was brought to Renukacharya’s house where arrangements were made for public viewing. The body will be taken out in a procession from Honnali, passing through several villages, and will be laid to rest at the family farm in Renukacharya’s native village Kundur where the MLA’s parents are also interred.
Renukacharya told Public TV, “My son’s (nephew) death is suspicious. Both the CM and the Home minister had called me and assured of a detailed investigation. I am confident that the police will establish the truth”.
“He was very interested in politics and used to show me all photos. He wouldn’t even have food properly at home and would always be with people. We need justice”, said Chadrashekar’s grandmother.
His mother Anitha told Public TV, “I didn’t even know he had gone to Gowri Gadde. I don’t know what they have done to him. Me and my husband didn’t even get to see him alive”.
Former CM B S Yediyurappa said a detailed probe should be carried out. “The culprits will be caught sooner or later and the government will take strick action”, he said. Shivamogga BJP MP B Y Raghavendra visited Renukacharya’s house and consoled the family. He also paid his last respects to Chandrashekar. “Chandru’s death is shocking and saddening. The investigation should bring out the truth”.
Former Honnali MLA Shantanagouda, former minister K S Eshwarappa’s son K E Kantesh and several other leaders too paid their last respects.