Karnataka ex-MLA’s son murdered over differences with woman: Cops

Dharwad: Police have cracked within hours the case of a charred body found inside a car near Ramapur village in Dharwad taluk, confirming that the deceased is Raju Bolashetty, son of late former MLA Baburao Bolashetty of Bailhongal. Three accused have been taken into custody in connection with the murder.The case came to light after a WagonR car with a completely burnt body inside was found in a forest area near Ramapur on Tuesday, triggering widespread concern. While tracing the vehicle number, police identified the car as belonging to Raju Bolashetty of Udikeri village in Bailhongal taluk of Belagavi district. Immediate identification was not possible as the body was completely charred.Raju Bolashetty was engaged in agriculture and ran educational institutions. Family members and associates said he had no known enmity.Police said Raju had been missing since Monday (March 23) and that his mobile phone had been switched off. As the investigation progressed, police gathered crucial evidence.According to sources, the murder stemmed from a personal dispute involving a woman from the same village. On Monday evening, Raju allegedly called the woman to his farmland, where they spent some time together. Later, the woman's son and her associate, who had already reached the spot, allegedly attacked Raju and killed him by striking his head with a stick.The accused then reportedly transported the body in Raju's car to a forest area near Ramapur in Dharwad taluk. On the way, they reportedly purchased about 10 litres of petrol from a fuel station. Later that night, they set the car and the body on fire and fled the scene in another vehicle.Police have taken into custody the woman, her son and her associate. Further investigation is under way to ascertain additional motives. A hunt has been launched to nab another absconding accused.