Popular Karnataka Astrologer Among Four Arrested for Murder in Violent Confrontation Over Affair
The Karnataka police have arrested well-known astrologer Kamalakar Bhat, along with three other individuals, for the alleged murder of a man during a violent confrontation stemming from an extramarital affair. The incident occurred in Uttara Kannada district, sending shockwaves through the local community and highlighting the tragic consequences of personal disputes escalating into fatal violence.
Details of the Fatal Incident and Arrests
According to police reports, the victim has been identified as Vasanth Naik, aged 43. The Siddhapur police registered a case based on a complaint filed by his wife, Sandhya Siddapura. Vasanth Naik is the brother-in-law of one of the accused in this case, adding a layer of familial complexity to the crime. In addition to the murder, two other individuals sustained injuries during the altercation, underscoring the severity of the violence that unfolded.
The arrested individuals include Kamalakar Bhat, also known as Guruji, who is a native of Uttara Kannada and frequently appears on television for his astrological predictions. The other accused are Suchitra Naik, Lokanath, and Akash. Police authorities have confirmed that three additional suspects have been detained in connection with the case and will be presented before the court shortly. The swift arrests followed a manhunt after the accused fled the scene post-incident.
Background of the Affair and Escalating Tensions
Investigations reveal that Kamalakar Bhat, who claims to foresee the future and make accurate predictions, had developed an extramarital affair with Suchitra Naik. Suchitra, along with her husband Mahesh Naik, had initially visited Bhat in Bengaluru to seek guidance about their future. Suchitra and Mahesh have been married for over 15 years and share two children. The family briefly resided in Bengaluru before Suchitra and the children relocated to their home village of Avaraguppa, while Mahesh continued working in the city.
Police officers stated that Suchitra met Bhat during her time in Bengaluru, and their friendship persisted even after she returned to her village. It is alleged that Suchitra later moved to Shivamogga with her children to live with Bhat, indicating a deepening of their relationship that ultimately led to marital discord and the subsequent violent confrontation.
Sequence of Events Leading to the Murder
The confrontation was precipitated by messages from the couple's eldest daughter, who expressed discomfort and reported harassment while staying with her mother. Mahesh Naik, who is currently hospitalized due to injuries from the brawl, recounted that he asked his daughter to come to Siddapura on Monday, where she filed a police complaint against her mother at the Siddapura police station.
Later that evening, around 9:30 PM, Suchitra, her father Lokanath, Kamalakar Bhat, and four others arrived at Mahesh's house in Avaraguppa armed with knives and other weapons. A violent fight ensued, during which Lokanath and the others attempted to stab Mahesh. In a tragic turn of events, Vasanth Naik intervened to save his brother and was fatally stabbed instead. Mahesh and his friend Kumar Naik also suffered injuries in the incident. Vasanth was rushed to a hospital but succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday.
Community Outcry and Demands for Justice
In the aftermath of the murder, Vasanth Naik's family members and villagers gathered outside the Siddapura police station, demanding that the astrologer be handed over to them. The protesters also called for a compensation of Rs 1 crore for the deceased man's family, reflecting the community's grief and anger over the loss. This public demonstration underscores the emotional impact of the crime and the urgent call for justice and support for the victim's loved ones.
The case continues to be under investigation as authorities work to unravel the full details of the affair and the violent events that led to Vasanth Naik's untimely death. The arrest of a prominent figure like Kamalakar Bhat has drawn significant attention, raising questions about the intersection of personal conduct and public persona in such tragic circumstances.
