MLA Renukacharya’s nephew missing; speculation that he may be in Bandipur

DAVANAGERE: Honnali BJP MLA M P Renukacharya’s nephew Chandrashekhar, who is the elder son of M P Panchaksharaiah, has been missing on Sunday. Chandrashekar’s car was spotted between Shivamogga and Nyamati on CCTV camera, but he has not returned home even after three days.

As per latest information, a youth from Mysuru informed Renukacharya that he had seen Chandrashekar near the tollgate and that he had crossed the Bandipur forest. Based on this information, the Honnali police were headed towards Mysuru to trace him.

Chandrashekhar, who went to Gourigadde near Shivamogga, along with his friend Kiran, to meet Vinay Guruji, has been untraceable since Sunday.

District Commissioner Shivanand Kapashi met Renukacharya and inquired about the latter’s nephew.

A complaint was registered at the Honnali police station on Monday. The police have formed four teams  to locate Chandrashekar.

According to police sources, Chandrasekhar’s car had come to Honnali via Shivamogga, but other sources say that the car has not reached Honnali. From Shivamogga, the car passed Surahonne at night, but there is no clarity if it came to Honnali from Surahonne.

The police have collected video footage of the white Creta SUV belonging to Chandrashekhar, which was seen near Surahonne around 1 am on Monday. Initially, it was suspected that Chandrashekhar may have gone to Chikkamagaluru. Chandrashekhar’s mobile phone too has remained switched off.

BJP MLA Renukacharya’s nephew Chandrashekhar has been missing since Sunday.

The CCTV footage shows two cars passing a toll plaza together near Surahonne. While one is Chandrashekar’s car, questions are being raised about the second car.

Davanagere SP C B Ryshyanth visited Renukacharya at his house, examined Chandrashekhar’s bedroom, gathered information from his parents, and inquired with them for two hours. But the SP did not give out any information to the media, stating that they are still investigating the case.

Various political leaders, including former chief minister B S Yediyurappa, have spoken to Renukacharya. District Commissioner Shivanand Kapashi, tge Zilla Panchayat CEO and the tahsildar also met him.

Renukacharya told mediapersons, “Chandrashekhar had plans to go on a trip with my son and daughter. But now, we are worried for him. It has already been four days, and there is no trace of him. He is not a coward to commit suicide, but he is spiritually inclinded. I have hope that he will reach home safely. I will not point fingers at anyone at this moment.”

MLA Renukacharya speaking to media persons regarding his nephew’s disappearance, on Wednesday.