Mandya Police Crack Temple Priest Murder Case, Wife and Associates Arrested
In a significant breakthrough, the district police in Mandya have successfully cracked the murder case of a temple priest who was reported missing earlier this month in Srirangapatna taluk. The victim, identified as Siddalingappa, 50, a resident of Maralagala village, was found murdered following an intensive investigation that uncovered a conspiracy allegedly involving his wife and her associates.
Discovery of the Crime Scene and Missing Person Report
According to police reports, Siddalingappa left his home on March 6 to perform rituals at the Ganapathi Temple in K Shettahalli village but failed to return. Concerned family members initiated a search and made a chilling discovery near the CDS canal. They found his sandals, bloodstains, and scattered religious items, raising immediate alarm.
Further investigation led to the recovery of his motorcycle submerged in the canal, intensifying suspicions of foul play. The situation took a grim turn on the morning of March 7 when Siddalingappa's body was recovered from a canal sluice gate. The victim had sustained severe injuries to his head and face, indicating a violent assault.
Police Investigation and Registration of Case
The victim's brother, Balasundar, lodged a formal complaint at the Srirangapatna Rural police station, prompting authorities to register a case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The investigation was conducted under the direct supervision of Superintendent of Police V J Shobharani, who formed a special team to probe the case thoroughly.
During the course of the investigation, police uncovered disturbing details about the victim's personal life. It was revealed that Siddalingappa's wife, Shalini, 32, was allegedly involved in an illicit relationship with a truck driver named M C Harisha, 33. Police stated that the priest had previously confronted the duo about their relationship, which reportedly served as the motive for his murder.
Conspiracy and Execution of the Murder
On the day of the incident, Shalini allegedly informed Harisha about her husband's movements and schedule. Harisha, along with his associates—M R Santosh Kumar, 29, and B R Ganesh, 29—intercepted the priest near the canal bank. The group allegedly assaulted Siddalingappa with clubs, killing him on the spot.
In an attempt to conceal their crime and project it as an accident, the accused threw the victim's body and his motorcycle into the canal. Police noted that the accused even attended Siddalingappa's funeral to avoid raising suspicion among family members and the community.
Arrests and Legal Proceedings
However, based on technical evidence gathered during the investigation and subsequent interrogations, police were able to piece together the conspiracy. All four suspects—Shalini, Harisha, Santosh Kumar, and Ganesh—were arrested in connection with the murder.
Authorities also seized the cellphones used during the commission of the crime, which provided crucial evidence linking the accused to the murder. The arrested individuals were produced before a court for further legal proceedings, marking a significant step toward justice for the victim and his family.
The case has sent shockwaves through the local community, highlighting the meticulous work of Mandya police in solving a complex murder investigation that involved personal betrayal and calculated violence.
