Uppinangady Police Upgrade Case to Murder After Medical Report Reveals Assault
In a significant development, the Uppinangady police in Mangaluru have officially converted an unnatural death report into a murder case. This decision follows conclusive medical findings that confirmed the death of a 73-year-old man resulted from severe head injuries sustained during a violent assault.
Initial Report and Medical Evidence
Initially, an Unnatural Death Report (UDR) was filed on February 9 under Section 194(III)(IV) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNSS). However, the subsequent medical report provided a starkly different narrative. It revealed that the deceased, identified as KC Varghese, had suffered grievous injuries to his head and other parts of his body, all consistent with an assault. Based on this critical evidence, the case was formally reclassified as a murder investigation on February 13 under Section 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Sequence of Events Leading to the Crime
The investigation uncovered a complex chain of events that culminated in the tragic incident. It began when Varghese allegedly assaulted his wife, prompting her to leave their home and sit nearby. A passerby noticed her distress and alerted her son, KV Thomas, who promptly arranged for an autorickshaw to transport her to a hospital for medical attention.
At the hospital, her brother, Raju, observed her condition and immediately contacted his brother, Chakochchan, informing him that she had been assaulted by her husband. Following their meeting, Raju and Chakochchan conspired to confront and threaten Varghese. They dropped Thomas a short distance away before proceeding to Varghese's residence, where they allegedly assaulted him with a wooden rod.
Attempt to Conceal the Crime
After the assault, the perpetrators instructed Thomas to take Varghese to the hospital via ambulance. At the medical facility, Thomas provided a misleading account to the authorities, suggesting that his father might have fallen from a cot, struck his head on a stone, and subsequently died. This false narrative led to the initial filing of the case as an unnatural death, effectively masking the true nature of the incident.
Arrests and Ongoing Investigation
The Uppinangady police have since taken decisive action, arresting three individuals in connection with the murder. Those apprehended include:
- KV Thomas, also known as Wilson, aged 39, from Nelyadi in Kadaba taluk.
- CT Raju, alias Varghese, aged 59, from Arasinamakki in Belthangady taluk.
- Chakochchan, aged 51, from Nelyadi in Kadaba taluk.
Authorities have confirmed that the investigation remains active, with further inquiries underway to uncover all details related to this case. The police are committed to ensuring justice is served for the victim and his family.
