Bizman killed by doctor for seeking return of loan; body dumped in canal

BELAGAVI: A missing businessman was found murdered and his body dumped into the Ghataprabha right bank canal. A search operation is under way to retrieve the body. The businessman was allegedly murdered by his close friend, a doctor by profession, as the businessman had asked for the money that he had loaned to be returned.

The deceased businessman has been identified a Raju Javara. He was missing since February 10 from Gokak and a missing person’s case had been registered at Gokak Town police station.

As part of the investigation, the police questioned several people who had spoken to Raju on the phone. A physician, Dr Sachin from Shiragavi, was the last to call Raju. During questioning, Dr Sachin confessed that he, along with two others, had murdered Raju and thrown the body to the canal.

Raju Javara was into doing money-lending and also had a business in fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG). He had lent money to Dr Sachin to purchase a site. When Raju asked for the money to be returned, Sachin plotted to kill him.

As per the plan, Sachin called Raju on February 10 to meet him near a hospital, promising to return the money. Then, Sachin and his accomplices took Raju towards Yogikolla Road on the pretext of having omelettes. On the way to Yogikolla Road, the the accused killed Raju with a sharp weapon near Markandeya river and then brought the body to the Ghataprabha right bank canal and dumped it.

Raju’s friend Girish said they couldn’t believe that his close friend had murdered him.

“The accused is a close friend of Raju’s for the last four years. We cannot even imagine that a friend can do this crime. It is unbelievable. Sachin called him promising to return about Rs 70, 000. It was a pre-planned murder. Raju was very kind person and was always there for us during difficult times”.

Police Commissioner Dr Sanjeev M Patil said, “Businessman Raju’s wife had registered a missing complaint at Gokak town police station as he did not respond to phone calls. He was running an FMCG agency. The search operation is on and expert swimmers and fire and emergency personnel are at the spot. Four special teams have been formed. We are gathering information and evidence and also questioning more than 20 people. Our team found blood stains, bottles and broken spectacles near the river bank. Further investigation is under way.”