Former MLA's Son Found Burnt to Death in Car in Dharwad Forest
In a shocking and gruesome incident, a 53-year-old man was discovered burnt to death inside a car in a secluded forested area near Ramapur village in Dharwad taluk on Tuesday. The victim has been identified as Raju Bolshetty, the son of former MLA Baburao Bolshetty from Bailhongal taluk in Belagavi district, and a resident of Udakeri village.
Discovery of the Crime Scene
According to police reports, the incident came to light around 2:30 PM when local residents noticed a WagonR car engulfed in flames in a deserted stretch of forest adjacent to a railway track. They immediately alerted the authorities. Upon arrival, police found a completely charred body inside the vehicle, which was later confirmed to be that of Raju Bolshetty through preliminary identification.
Suspected Murder and Evidence Destruction
Preliminary investigations indicate that the crime likely occurred in this isolated location, raising strong suspicions that the victim was either brought to the spot or abducted before being murdered. Police suspect that the assailants intentionally set the car on fire with the body inside in a calculated attempt to destroy crucial evidence before fleeing the scene. This has led authorities to treat the case as a potential homicide with premeditated elements.
Ongoing Police Investigation
Personnel from the Dharwad Rural police, along with a forensic science team (FSL) and a dog squad, swiftly visited the site to conduct a thorough examination. They have begun collecting evidence, including:
- Forensic samples from the burnt vehicle and surrounding area
- Footprints and tire marks near the crime scene
- Witness statements from locals who reported the fire
Further investigation is actively underway to determine the motive behind the killing, identify the perpetrators, and piece together the sequence of events leading to this tragic death. The police are exploring all angles, including possible personal or political enmities, given the victim's family background.



