Suspicious pit, swords, hazardous substances in dilapidated house ring alarm bells

MANDYA: Residents of Fort Street in Malavalli town were in for a shock when they found a 12-foot deep pit and hazardous substances in a house which had been rented out to a woman who was staying with her five sons. Locals say swords, machetes and other deadly weapons were also stored in the house and have suddenly gone missing.

A 12-foot deep pit was found in the house.

The house owner Pavithraraj had rented out the house to Tasleem who was living with her five sons. Since the house was in a dilapidated condition, Pavithraraj had asked the family to vacate. However, they kept stalling for the last two months citing various reasons.

The house owner and the police inspecting the house.

After the heavy rain two days ago, a part of a wall had collapsed. Pavithraraj, who came to inspect the damage, was shocked to see swords, machetes and other deadly weapons and suspected narcotic and hazardous substances in the house.

The tenant Tasleem remained defiant.

Pavithraraj immediately lodged a complaint with the Malavalli Town police. However, by the time the police arrived, the swords and other weapons were taken away by Tasleem’s son who have left her behind in the house.

Traces of hazardous substances were also found.

Some locals also complained that people would visit the house late in the night. The police have now taken up further investigation.